التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة مصر لأخبار تكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات وفي أفريقيا كما تعتبر مصدر رئيسي للمعلومات حول تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات والفرص الاستثمارية المرتبطة بالاقتصاد الرقمي في المنطقة بالكامل
In this exclusive interview with Tech Portals, Kevin Murphy, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit North Middle East and Africa at Ericsson, discusses Egypt’s fast-evolving telecom market, the country’s readiness for 5G, and how the next phase of intelligent connectivity will pave the way for 6G, AI-driven automation, and sustainable network innovation.
Egypt: A Young, Dynamic Market with Strong Growth Potential
How do you see Egypt’s telecommunications market today, and what makes it attractive for global technology players like Ericsson?
Kevin Murphy: Egypt is one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the region. It’s home to more than 115 million people, with a large share of youth in their twenties who are passionate about exploring and integrating technology into their daily lives.
There’s a strong appetite for digital experiences, and this enthusiasm is driving demand for high-speed, high-performance connectivity. The Egyptian market reflects tremendous energy and potential for transformation.
5G: Arriving at the Perfect Moment
Egypt is preparing to roll out 5G soon. Some say it’s happening later than in Gulf countries — do you agree?
Not at all. I believe 5G is coming to Egypt at exactly the right time. Every market moves at its own pace, based on local dynamics and readiness.
When 5G was first launched in the Gulf, it was still an emerging technology — early-stage, with some limitations. Now, 5G has matured, and what we call standalone 5G or advanced 5G has become the global standard.
This means Egypt can adopt a proven, more efficient version of 5G from day one — enabling operators to deliver better service and consumers to enjoy a superior, more stable experience.
Meeting Soaring Data Demands
How is Egypt’s growing data consumption shaping the need for 5G?
Kevin Murphy: Today, young Egyptians are consuming all available network capacity. Most of the networks still operate on 4G, which is under heavy pressure from data-hungry applications like video streaming, gaming, and social media.
5G will make a big difference. It brings higher spectral efficiency, better performance, and the ability to manage huge data volumes seamlessly. It’s not just an upgrade — it’s a transformation that will empower people and businesses alike.
From 5G to 6G: A Natural Evolution
There’s already talk globally about 6G. Is it too early for that conversation in Egypt?
Kevin Murphy: It’s never too early to prepare for the future, but I believe Egypt’s current focus should be on deploying advanced 5G first. Standalone 5G will serve as the foundation for 6G.
The features and capabilities that define 6G — such as intelligent sensing, extreme automation, and real-time interaction — will all build upon the architecture of standalone 5G. So, deploying it now is actually the first step toward that future.
Cybersecurity and Sustainability by Design
As 5G connects more industries and institutions, how does Ericsson address security and sustainability concerns?
Security and sustainability are at the core of 5G’s design. Unlike earlier generations, 5G includes built-in security protocols to protect critical communications and national infrastructure from cyber threats.
From a sustainability perspective, 5G is designed to be at least ten times more energy-efficient in terms of data transmission compared to 4G. When you move to standalone 5G, efficiency improves even further.
That means less energy consumption, longer device battery life, and a smaller environmental footprint — a real step toward greener networks.
AI and Automation: The Future of Intelligent Networks
How do you see artificial intelligence shaping the future of telecommunications?
AI is absolutely essential to the future of telecom. It enables networks to become more intelligent, self-optimizing, and responsive to user behavior.
Through automation, AI helps ensure that the right technology is available at the right time, enhancing user experience while improving operational efficiency.
As 5G continues to evolve, AI will be key in delivering differentiated, high-quality connectivity — driving the next generation of smart, resilient networks.
Final Thoughts: Egypt’s Moment to Lead
What excites you most about Ericsson’s role in Egypt’s digital transformation?
Egypt has all the right ingredients — a young, ambitious population, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and a government committed to digital progress.
At Ericsson, we’re proud to support this transformation by delivering technologies that enable a more connected, sustainable, and intelligent future. 5G in Egypt isn’t just about speed — it’s about creating the foundation for everything that comes next.
