Nokia and Telecom Egypt have closed a deal to provide 5G in Egypt for the first time, later this year.

The deployment of 5G aims to increase connectivity in densely populated areas in Egypt.

According to the pact, the technology will be deployed in the cities of Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Giza and Luxor.

The deployment of the 5G follows Telecom Egypt being awarded the country’s first 5G licence, in January, by Egypt’s National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority. The licence is valued of $150 million and is valid for 15 years.

According to a joint statement, Nokia will provide equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including Massive MIMO radios, baseband, remote radio heads. It will also provide services, which includes deployment, integration and network optimisation.

Mohamed AI Fowey, vice president and chief technology officer for Telecom Egypt said the agreement reaffirms its commitment to providing cutting-edge digital technology to the country’s population.

Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks for Nokia, said the agreement extends the company’s long-standing partnership with Telecom Egypt. “Our collaboration establishes a strong foundation for driving the nation’s digital transformation, “ he said.