The leading mobile operators, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, e& Egypt and Orange, have already launched the service for customers
Egypt’s minister of communications and information technology Amr Talaat announced the official launch of the wi-fi calling services in Egypt. According to the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), wi-fi calling allows users to make voice calls, send text messages, and access other communication features over a wi-fi network, bypassing the traditional mobile network. Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, e& Egypt, and Orange, have already launched the service.
The minister said the service is designed to improve call quality in areas with poor coverage, assisting users in staying connected without relying only on mobile networks. He noted that launching this service took over a year of continuous effort, with close cooperation between telecom companies and regulatory bodies.
“We faced challenges, but through collaboration with the four mobile operators, we were able to overcome them and successfully launch this service,” Talaat told Ahram. Mohamed Shamroukh, chairman of the NTRA, noted that the first phase of the wi-fi calling service will focus on residential homes, with plans to expand to commercial and public areas afterwards. He added that, by 30 June 2025, 99.5 percent nationwide will have 4G coverage.
“We are consistently engaged in developing innovative communication solutions to enhance the customer experience,” said e& Egypt director Samer Murad. “The wi-fi calling service is a key component of this initiative, providing seamless and high-quality connectivity whether customers are at home or in any location with reliable wi-fi access.”
Wi-fi Calling is available at no additional cost, operating under users’ current mobile plans, and can be activated directly through phone settings. Initially available to most iOS devices and some Android phones, Orange Egypt said it plans to expand the service to more Android models in the future, with a goal to eventually include all phones running on various operating systems.
New initiatives
The minister also highlighted recent efforts to improve connectivity, including the rollout of 5G technology and virtual mobile SIM cards, with the launch of eSIM technology in Egypt in December after the four mobile operators completed all the technical tests required to operate the service. The NTRA also contracted with ‘Sci Shield’ to establish and operate the eSIM data centre.
Talaat also mentioned that by mid-year, the government plans to complete the installation of mobile network coverage across all highways and villages included in the Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative, which aims to improve living conditions in rural and underserved areas.