07 September 2023

Emtel has become the second MNO to launch 5G services in Mauritius.

According to Emtel, its 5G network already covers 60% of the Mauritian population and plans to have full coverage all over the country by 2024.

“With the widest 5G network in Mauritius — and most probably the widest 5G network in Africa considering the population and the area that we cover — we are proud to be the first company to launch 5G across such a significant portion of the island,” said Emtel CEO Kresh Goomany.

The Mauritian fixed voice, broadband and mobile operator said users can expect speeds of up to 1.87Gbps on the 5G mobile network as well ultra-low latency, significantly impacting the mobile data browsing experience of customers.

The company also recently launched its new 5G broadband fixed wireless access (FWA) service, Airbox 5G, which covers 40% of the population. The 5G FWA coverage will initially be focused on the capital Port-Louis as well as northern, western, and central areas of the country but the operator has plans to extend availability nationwide over the next two to three years under a phased deployment.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) of Mauritius granted 5G licenses to the country’s three MNOs — My.t mobile, Emtel, and CHiLi Mauritius — in July 2021 to enable the deployment of commercial services.