Senegal's telecoms regulator, ARTP, has provisionally granted a 5G license to Sonatel, as the country progresses with its plans to launch fifth-generation technology. The decision to allocate 5G licenses to telecom operators was announced in May 2023, with applications officially called for in June.

Sonatel emerged as the provisional winner due to its compliant technical offer and a financial bid of 34.5 billion CFA Francs (approximately $59.2 million). The bids from Free Senegal and Expresso Senegal were significantly lower, falling below the ARTP's reserve price of 19.5 billion CFA Francs (around $33.5 million).

To move forward with 5G, ARTP will update Sonatel's specifications to include new obligations, including coverage requirements. The regulator believes that adopting 5G is essential for Senegal to stay at the forefront of telecommunications technology in Africa and the sub-region.

Sonatel had previously conducted 5G trials in the country, and Free Senegal also launched an experimental phase of 5G. As the leading mobile operator in Senegal, Sonatel serves around 11.7 million mobile users, while Free Senegal and Expresso Senegal follow with nearly 5 million and over 3.8 million users.

As of the end of 2022, only about 22.5% of Senegal's mobile users were using 4G services, while the majority relied on 3G (68.6%) and 2G (9%). Analysts forecast that 4G uptake will increase to 55% of all users by 2028, with 5G uptake reaching approximately 16% of the total by the same year.

With the allocation of 5G licenses, Senegal is preparing to usher in a new era of connectivity, offering faster and more reliable internet services to its citizens and businesses. The rollout of 5G is expected to open up opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and enhanced digital services in various sectors.

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