The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and Ookla hosted the MEA Regulatory Summit in Cairo, Egypt, from 6–8 May 2025. The theme was “Harnessing Data and Technology for Superior QoS: Strategies for Measuring and Optimizing Network Performance.” Regulators from the Middle East and Africa, along with representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Broadband Association (WBBA), and various industry experts gathered at the Summit to share strategies for collecting, using, and sharing data to promote transparency, track policy impacts, and make smarter investment decisions for better network performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of crowdsourced data in telecom regulation. The summit highlighted the growing significance of crowdsourced data in informing telecom regulatory decisions. By utilizing this data, regulators can identify service gaps, promote digital inclusion, and drive innovation. Crowdsourced insights complement traditional data sources, enabling smarter regulatory frameworks that adapt to market needs and foster competition.
• High-speed connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth. High-speed internet connectivity is crucial for driving socio-economic development in MEA. Studies indicate that improvements in broadband speeds can significantly boost GDP and labor productivity. Investments in fixed broadband infrastructure, particularly fiber-optic networks, are essential for enhancing service quality and expanding access, ultimately bridging the digital divide and attracting foreign investment.
• There is a need for a comprehensive network assessment and regulatory oversight. As telecom services evolve, regulators should adopt a more holistic approach to network assessment. This includes extending oversight to emerging critical services and ensuring consistent performance across various environments, including indoors. By leveraging advanced data collection methods, regulators can better understand user experiences and address the complexities of modern digital services, ensuring that all users receive reliable connectivity.

Regulators’ survey confirmed the importance of data in regulatory decision-making, and the growing role of crowdsourcing

A major takeaway from the summit was the importance of crowdsourced data in telecom regulation. Discussions highlighted how data can drive innovation and market growth by informing policy changes that encourage fair competition and enable new technologies. Data also helps promote digital inclusion by pinpointing service gaps and guiding interventions in underserved areas. Speakers shared examples of how network data can lead to smarter regulatory decisions, foster efficient telecom environments, and support broader economic growth.

A survey of attendees confirmed that most regulators are collecting more data on telecom networks, including QoS, coverage, and QoE. It also highlighted that crowdsourced data is playing a bigger role in the MEA region, complementing traditional field testing and operator data.

Martin Adolph from ITU confirmed this trend during the panel discussion, noting the development of two ITU standards by ITU-T Study Group 12 experts: E.806 (measurement campaigns, monitoring systems, and sampling methodologies) and E.812 (a crowdsourcing approach for assessing end-to-end QoS).

The survey also revealed a number of challenges in collecting and using data for connectivity assessments. The most frequently cited challenges include:

• Integrating data from multiple sources, validating its accuracy, and selecting the methodology
• A lack of data analysis skills and infrastructure
• Dealing with inconsistent and inaccurate reporting from the operators

Most surveyed regulators said they publish the data they collect, typically monthly. They prefer to share this information through reports, charts/dashboards, and interactive maps. 

The critical role of high-speed connectivity in driving economic growth in MEA

Discussions emphasized the critical role of high-speed connectivity in driving digital transformation and socio-economic growth in the MEA region, helping to attract foreign direct investment and helping to bridge the digital divide. Studies mentioned in one presentation suggest that doubling download speeds (above 40 Mbit/s) can increase GDP by 0.73%, and a 10% increase in mobile broadband speed is linked to a 0.2% increase in labor productivity in non-OECD and low-income countries.

Giulia Rancati from WBBA stressed that developing fixed broadband infrastructure is essential for economic and social progress in Africa. Increased data usage through broadband can improve healthcare, education, business, and overall economic growth. That is why there have been increased investments in Africa to boost subscriber penetration rates and improve connection quality and speeds. The presentation noted that the business case for fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) rollout in Africa can be viable, but efforts are needed to further reduce infrastructure rollout costs. In this context, WBBA, in partnership with Ookla, recently published an Africa-specific Broadband Investment Strategy that leverages existing best practices and toolkits.

In the Middle East, the fixed broadband market is growing rapidly due to the expansion of fiber-optic networks. Telcos are investing heavily in fiber to offer ultra-fast broadband services (10 Gbps and higher). This investment is crucial for meeting consumer and business demand, leading to significant revenue growth in the market. Governments in the Middle East are prioritizing digital transformation, resulting in supportive regulatory frameworks that encourage investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure. These frameworks include initiatives to streamline fiber network deployment and incentivize operators to expand coverage in underserved areas.

A call for a more comprehensive network assessment approach and broader regulatory oversight

As services evolve, the demand for faster networks and better experiences grows. However, the growing network complexity demands an extended approach to measuring customer experience. Modern applications depend on the internet, a shared resource with unpredictable performance, which means there’s a need for visibility across the entire digital service delivery chain.

During the summit, it was argued that the definition of ‘critical’ services should include over-the-top (OTT) services, such as mobile banking, telemedicine, educational, and communications platforms. Regulatory bodies, which historically focused on infrastructure, licensed spectrum, and core communication services, could consider extending their oversight to emerging critical services and networks using unlicensed spectrum standards like Wi-Fi.

Furthermore, users expect the same level of performance and experience everywhere, including indoors, where most of their time is spent and most data traffic is generated. In fact, the indoor experience can be a key differentiator in sectors like education and hospitality. Wi-Fi networks also support hospitals, airports, and large public venues, which could be considered part of the ‘critical layer’ as they support government and commercial services. These types of settings often lack standards for network resilience, reliability, and emergency response readiness, despite having comprehensive standards for physical infrastructure aspects like structural integrity and fire safety. 

Regulators shared use cases on the role of crowdsourced data in performance benchmarking and network improvement 

Representatives from the NTRA offered insights into Egypt’s telecommunications market development, regulatory approaches, and strategic initiatives. For example, the authority used crowdsourced data to assess and benchmark performance across different regions and direct investments, which resulted in a significant improvement in download speed, placing Egypt first in Africa. 

The NTRA also discussed how it leveraged crowdsourced data to develop and apply a more adaptive, incentive-based regulatory framework. Mobile network operators (MNOs) can now reduce penalties for QoS violations if they meet performance targets based on crowdsourced data. The NTRA also gives MNOs the option to build new mobile sites to improve coverage instead of paying fines for QoS issues.

The “Decent Life” Initiative in Egypt was also presented, which aims to extend broadband access to rural populations by installing fiber optics and mobile towers. In the first phase, the NTRA partnered with licensed mobile operators, funding 593 new mobile stations through the Universal Service Fund, while operators funded 503 stations and upgraded 576 existing ones using 4G technology. The second and third phases involve establishing 1,585 new coverage stations, with the NTRA funding 885 stations and operators funding 700, and upgrading 717 existing stations. Crowdsourced data will be used to monitor the progress of fixed and mobile deployments in targeted areas and quantify the impact of the initiative on service reach and performance.

Similarly, Fatma Salim Nasser Al Mamar from TRA Oman presented use cases showing how they use Ookla’s QoS and QoE data to track fixed and mobile broadband performance across different regions, identify areas with weak coverage, and quantify indoor mobile data usage.

Early insights into 5G performance in Egypt and Tunisia, and Starlink’s performance in Sub-Saharan Africa

Several presentations showed how crowdsourced data can help regulators monitor 5G rollout, enforce license conditions, and benchmark operators. For example, in Jordan, the TRC used Ookla data to track 5G rollout progress, validate 5G NSA coverage (aiming for 50% population coverage by 2026), and identify coverage gaps to guide infrastructure investment.

Ahmed Nabawy, Director, Client Services at Ookla, also shared early insights into 5G coverage and performance in Egypt and Tunisia. Ookla data helped identify high-impact rollout areas by using 5G-capable device density data to prioritize urban zones like Greater Cairo. This data also helps align spectrum strategy with demand and encourages investment where user readiness is strong. In Tunisia, where 5G services were launched in February 2025, the regulator can use Ookla data to focus spectrum awards and infrastructure build-out where user demand was most concentrated. Since launch, 5G test sample volumes have surged, and mobile download speeds have noticeably improved, reflecting expanding coverage and great market adoption.

Members of Ookla’s analyst team presented on Starlink services, their rapid expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa, and their performance compared to terrestrial options. Ookla data shows that median download speeds vary considerably, from under 50 Mbps in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, to over 85 Mbps in Botswana, Eswatini, and Rwanda, consistently outperforming existing ISPs. Starlink also offers relatively low latency in many African countries, although it still lags behind terrestrial ISPs for now.

Ookla presented its product portfolio strategy, which aims to empower smarter decisions and enable the next generation of connected experiences through data and actionable insights. The evolving strategy is centered around a unified data platform designed to unlock greater value from various data sources. This approach aims to move beyond QoS measurements to provide more comprehensive insights into network performance and user experience and to enable AI-based actionable insights and recommendations.

Empowering regulatory excellence in MEA through data-driven insights

Ookla recognizes the vital role regulatory bodies play in shaping the telecommunications landscape. This summit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, discuss regulatory best practices, and explore potential collaborations that align with global industry trends. The summit underscored that data serves as a compass for regulators, providing an empirical foundation for decisions and enabling an informed approach to align policies with the evolving telecommunications landscape. Leveraging data enhances transparency and accountability, reinforcing the integrity and credibility of regulatory actions. The discussions highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional network metrics to encompass customer experience (QoE) and address the complexities of modern digital services, including critical in-building connectivity and the impact of new players like Starlink, all supported by advanced data collection and analysis tools.

WE, the mobile division of the fixed incumbent Telecom Egypt, launched in 2017. Since its inception, WE has captured nearly 15% of the mobile market in terms of subscribers. This article examines WE’s service and marketing strategies and uses Ookla® Speedtest® data to analyze its network performance. It also explores how the operator attracted subscribers from established players and if their network experience has changed after migrating.

Key Takeaways:

• WE aggressively expanded its 4G network and focused on service convergence to compete with other mobile operators. WE increased its market share by emphasizing 4G services and offering competitive bundles that integrate fixed and mobile services, along with an expanding digital portfolio. As of Q4 2024, WE leads in network performance, boasting a median download speed of 33.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 8.82 Mbps.
• WE has benefited the most from customer churn. Between January 2023 and December 2024, Vodafone’s Speedtest 4G user base expanded by 20.8%, with many new users switching from Vodafone, the market leader in terms of market shares, highlighting WE’s appeal.
• Churners did not experience significant improvements in network performance after changing operators. Some churners experienced some improvements in 4G download and upload speeds after migrating, but this was not the case for all operators. This suggests that other factors, such as pricing, data allowances, and customer service, likely influenced their decision to switch. The imminent launch of 5G in the first half of 2025 will redefine network competition and shape the market for the next decade.

WE focused on great network performance, competitive offerings, and digital services to stand out against incumbent competitors

Egypt is one of Africa’s largest mobile markets, with 113.2 million subscriptions and a penetration rate of 103.6% by the end of 2024, according to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT). Incumbent fixed operator Telecom Egypt launched a mobile brand, ‘WE,’ in September 2017 while retaining a 45% stake in Vodafone, the market leader. Between 2019 and the first half of 2024, WE nearly tripled its mobile subscribers to 13.1 million and increased its market share to 14.2%.

Telecom Egypt has also inked partnerships with all three MNOs, Vodafone, Orange, and e& Egypt (previously known as Etisalat Egypt), to provide fiber transmission services to connect mobile sites and/or international connectivity services such as telephony.

WE adopted a few key strategies to grow its market share in Egypt:

• Rapid network expansion: WE initially signed a national roaming agreement with Etisalat for 2G and 3G traffic, which was terminated in 2022. Then, it signed a five-year national roaming agreement with Orange to replace Etisalat in 2023. This was coupled with the rapid deployment of its own 4G infrastructure, which helped shift traffic from its partners to its network.
• Integrated services: Telecom Egypt expanded its WE brand to incorporate fixed broadband services. This allowed Telecom Egypt to offer bundled fixed and mobile services, an addressable market of nearly 10 million fixed-line customers, with attractive data plans and services to draw customers from established mobile rivals.
• Digital-first approach: WE adopted a digital-first strategy to differentiate itself and expand its portfolio to include digital services. For example, it launched the ‘WE Pay’ digital wallet in November 2019 and the ‘WE Bonus’ loyalty program in January 2021.
• Supporting government initiatives: WE expanded its subscriber base by participating in government-led projects. For example, it added 2.1 million through school digitization projects and social solidarity initiatives in Q2 2022.

At the beginning of 2024, WE was awarded the first license by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to deploy and operate 5G networks for mobile phones in the country. It is deploying 5G services across major cities, including Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria, with a planned launch in the first half of 2025. It will enable WE to offer faster data speeds and increased network capacity, and usher in a new era of the telecom market.

WE is also leading in 4G network performance in Egypt, making it a compelling choice for consumers. According to Speedtest Intelligence® data, it consistently leads the market with median download speeds reaching 33.38 Mbps in Q4 2024 and upload speeds hovering around 9 Mbps. 

WE has been the primary beneficiary of customer churn

Speedtest Intelligence helps track changes in mobile subscriptions and market share shifts. The chart below shows the cumulative monthly percentage change in Speedtest users between January 2023 and December 2024. A positive trend indicates that a mobile operator acquired more users during that period, while a negative trend signifies that many customers were transferred to other operators. We use the cumulative monthly change in users as a proxy for subscriber churn.

As a fourth player in the market, WE has mainly grown by attracting subscribers from other operators. WE saw a 20.8% cumulative growth in 4G Speedtest users between January 2023 and December 2024. Orange’s Speedtest user base decreased by just over 3.7%, and Vodafone’s Speedtest base shrank by 2.6% over the same period. Etisalat saw an initial increase between February 2023 and June 2023 but experienced subsequent declines, leading to a decrease of 5% in its subscriber base.

The following two charts show the breakdown of the Speedtest net additions and net losses per operator, which can be considered a proxy for customers’ net additions and losses due to churn. WE experienced the most significant gain in 4G users, with increases of 12.3% from Vodafone, 4.0% from Orange, and 4.5% from Etisalat. Vodafone lost 3.7% of Speedtest users to WE and smaller percentages to other operators. Orange lost 2.7% of its Speedtest base to WE and 1.1% to Vodafone. Etisalat lost the most, mainly to WE (3.5%) and Vodafone (1.5%) over the same period.

The heatmaps below depict the spatial distribution of 4G Speedtest users who migrated to another operator over the same period. Blue and green depict areas of low churn concentration, and orange and red show locations with high customer attrition levels. Such maps can be valuable for targeted marketing initiatives and network improvement measures to mitigate churn. While the capital city, Cairo, and the northern coastal cities witnessed the highest potential 4G churn, other towns along the Nile River, such as Faiyum, Al Monya, Asyut, and Aswan, experienced similar, albeit less intense, churn.

Churners experienced little to no change in network performance after changing operators

Speedtest Intelligence data provides insights into potential drivers of churn by examining network metrics before and after migration. The charts show the change in median download and upload speeds for customers who churned and the median latency. Results show that customers who migrated from Vodafone or WE experienced some, but not significant, improvements in 4G download and upload speeds after migrating. This suggests that other factors, such as pricing, data allowance, and customer service, likely played a more significant role in the decision to churn.

Using statistical analysis, all Speedtest data were clustered according to customer satisfaction rating (on a 1 to 5 scale), download speed, upload speed, and latency. The first cluster has an average rating of 4.4, indicating high satisfaction, with a median download speed of 62.47 Mbps and a median latency of 28 ms. The churn rate for this group is the highest at 3.3% across all operators. This suggests that even though customers were satisfied with their speeds, they chose to churn due to more attractive data plans or service offerings from the competition. 

The second cluster, with a 1.94% churn rate, shows poor user satisfaction with an average rating of 1.71. The median download speed in this group is 17.6 Mbps, and the median latency is 33 ms. Users in this cluster may be dissatisfied with the overall experience, which could be contributing to their attrition. The third cluster, with the highest satisfaction rating (4.8) but a lower churn rate, has a median download speed of 18.79 Mbps and a median latency of 31 ms. This suggests that these users are likely satisfied with their current service and not yet strongly drawn to the competitors’ offerings.

As detailed above, WE has established itself as an innovative player in Egypt’s telecom market, gaining nearly 15% market share in over seven years. Its robust network performance, distinctive marketing strategies, and leverage of its fixed market dominance have solidified its appeal. The commercialization of 5G services in 2025 will introduce new competition dynamics. While WE currently leads in network performance due to its unloaded 4G network, its ability to maintain an edge as competitors launch 5G remains to be seen.

We will continue to monitor the Egyptian telecom market’s evolution. For more information about Speedtest Intelligence data and insights, please contact us.