07 September 2021

Somalia’s largest telecommunications services operator, Hormuud Telecom, is to extend its 4G phone network across the country, with a strategy to provide nationwide coverage by 2023.

The company began expanding its 4G network capacity in 2015 in partnership with the Somalia Ministry of Telecommunications, which estimates that across the Horn of Africa country, over 11.25 million people (representing 70% of Somalia’s 15 million population), now have access to 4G internet.

However, Hormuud says 4G access is primarily limited to major cities and Somalis in rural areas often do not enjoy the same level of network access. Currently, 30% of Hormuud’s 3.6 million customers still rely on its 2G network - the majority of which live in rural areas.

“We’re delighted to today announce Hormuud’s ambition to bring broadband speed, 4G data, to every Somali citizen over the next two years,” Hormuud Telecom’s CEO Ahmed Mohamud Yuusuf said. “We are proud to have long played a leading role in bringing Somalis online. Increasing access to 4G internet is critical to ensuring Somalia achieves its goal of becoming a cashless economy.”

Hormuud’s aim for total 4G expansion in two years is in line with current government commitments, as the Somalia government’s National ICT Policy pledges to reach total 4G coverage between 2024 - 2025.

The company has quantified the consumer demand in the country and the average Hormuud data user consumes 5GB of data monthly, up from a national average of around 1-2GB a year ago.

According to Hormuud, Somali consumers enjoy the lowest data prices in Africa with 1GB starting at US$0.18. The same amount of data starts at US$1.05 and US$2.44 in neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia.

“Access to high-speed data is now a human right. It’s a foundational requirement to developing nations in order to provide vital services such as aid and international remittances, as well as underpinning day-to-day business activity,” Yuusuf added.