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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

3 clusters · 5 sources · 19 days · First seen · Last updated

Gabon 5G rollout and connectivity challenges

Overview

Airtel Gabon and ZTE initiated a network upgrade to enhance 4G performance and prepare infrastructure for 5G, utilizing technologies such as Massive MIMO to increase throughput and capacity. This technical preparation occurred as regulatory authorities evaluated requirements for future services.

Following these upgrades, Gabon officially launched 5G technology through Moov Africa Gabon Telecom and Airtel Gabon. This development was highlighted during Gabon Digital Week, where officials emphasized digital technology as a strategic choice for national sovereignty, inclusion, and productivity across sectors like health and education.

As of late October, 5G coverage has been introduced in Libreville, Akanda, Owendo, and Port-Gentil by Moov Africa Gabon Telecom, while Airtel Gabon has extended its initial coverage to include Ntoum. However, the rollout faces significant hurdles, including unreliable electricity, fiber network gaps, and cable damage. Additionally, the telecommunications regulator, ARCEP, has urged operators to improve service quality and ensure pricing is appropriate for local market conditions following consumer complaints regarding high costs and frequent outages.

Entities

Airtel Gabon · Moov Africa Gabon Telecom · Gabon · African Telecommunications Union · ZTE

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    African nations launch 5G networks amid connectivity challenges

    Liberia and Gabon have launched 5G mobile networks to boost digital transformation, despite ongoing challenges with internet penetration, service reliability, and high costs.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Gabon launches 5G and digital sovereignty initiatives

    Gabon inaugurated Gabon Digital Week, marking the launch of 5G services by Moov Africa Gabon Telecom and Air tel Gabon to drive national productivity and digital sovereignty.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Airtel Gabon and ZTE upgrade 4G network to prepare for 5G

    Airtel Gabon and ZTE have deployed a 4G network upgrade using Massive MIMO technology to increase capacity and prepare for a future 5G rollout in Gabon.

Sources

ecofinagency.com · liberianinvestigator.com · union.sonapresse.com · verityonlinenews.com · vocalid.ai

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history