Benin: MTN and Moov Africa Announce the Imminent Launch of 5G
Telecom operators MTN and Moov Africa plan to deploy 5G in Benin soon, without specifying an exact date for the commercial launch. This announcement, made on October 16, 2024, comes after that of Celtiis, a public telecommunications operator, which had announced in February 2023 that it was ready for 5G. Although deployment stages have been planned for 2023 by the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalization, the project has not yet seen any concrete progress.
Persistent Criticisms of Current Service Quality
The quality of telecom services, particularly at MTN and Moov Africa, has attracted criticism. According to a report by the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), Celtiis showed superior performance in receiving internet data compared to MTN and Moov Africa, which only achieved two of the three quality criteria assessed. Regarding data sending, all operators met two of the three quality indicators, reflecting a user experience that could still be improved.
The Challenge of 5G for Benin and the African Continent
The deployment of 5G in Africa, although ambitious, faces a major challenge: the transition to 4G, which is not yet complete. However, the GSMA (World Association of Mobile Phone Operators) highlights the importance of adopting 5G to bridge the digital divide between Africa and the rest of the world. In its report “5G in Africa: realising the potential”, the GSMA states that this technology will bring significant benefits, particularly for the digital transformation of businesses, the growth of technology start-ups, and data-intensive services such as streaming and the metaverse.
Conclusion
The launch of 5G by MTN, Moov Africa and Celtiis could mark a significant technological breakthrough for Benin. However, improving the quality of current services remains crucial to ensure an optimal experience for consumers. While 5G could open up innovative opportunities for businesses and young users, it will require continued efforts to ensure successful adoption and meet consumer expectations for connectivity and service.
