After redistributing frequencies for 4G services and providing each telecommunications company with its share from available 4G frequencies, Vodafone did not obtain as good frequencies as Orange, Etisalat, and Telecom Egypt (TE).
According to an official at the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), 40 MHz for 4G services is distributed on the frequency band of 900 MHz and 2,100 MHz.
The 900 MHz is the best frequency band compared to the 2,100 MHz, which assists in providing better service quality, but it suffers from a significant drawback due to the increased interference of signals as compared to 2,100 MHz. Despite this, it is still considered the best frequency band.
According to the official, Vodafone Egypt obtained frequencies specified at 5 MHz on the 2,100 MHz frequency band, while the other companies obtained part of their frequencies on the 900 MHz frequency band.
TE obtained 5 MHz of frequencies out of 15 MHz in the 900 MHz frequency band, and the remaining frequencies were on the 2,100 MHz frequency band. Orange and Etisalat also obtained 5 MHz on the 900 MHz frequency band, and the remaining frequencies on the 2,100 MHz frequency band.
All telecommunications companies except for Vodafone obtained frequencies on the best frequency band of 900 MHz and part on the other frequency band.
The CEO of Vodafone Egypt, Stefano Gastaut, said that the 5 MHz are sufficient for the company besides the existing frequencies owned by the company to provide good quality 4G services . The total frequencies owned by the company are 42.5 MHz, and the company will re-frame frequencies to guarantee that good services are provided.
Vodafone paid $335m for 4G licences and frequencies, while Orange paid $484m, TE paid EGP 7bn, and Etisalat paid $535.5m
