The sale of 4G licenses that almost failed to materialise until an agreement was reached at the last hour between Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the country's three telcos, has been highlighted as a noteworthy achievement by the country's ICT Minister.

Speaking during a panel discussion on transformation of ICT through infrastructure investment, hosted recently at the 2016 Telecom Review Summit in Dubai, Minister Yasser ElKady said that the agreements for the establishment and operation of 4G networks in Egypt that were reached represent an important achievement for the country.

ElKady, who has been Minister of Communications and Information Technology for a little over a year, said the ICT industry around the world represents an attractive market for sustainable investments. He added that this was especially the case in Egypt, particularly in light of efforts exerted to improve the regulatory frames of investment activities and provide excellent services to meet the needs of citizens.

"The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has succeeded in developing a new regulatory frame for telecommunication services during launching the fourth-generation (4G) licenses, allowing the companies operating in the telecom sector to provide integrated communications services using modern technology," he said.

ElKady emphasised the importance of support for partnership efforts between the public and private sectors and civil society, through providing a range of technological solutions that contribute to the provision of integrated services to citizens throughout all sectors of the state.

He also underscored the significance of developing a legislative framework and protection systems to ensure citizens' rights to privacy and security are protected.

ElKady oversaw the signing of the 4G agreements by NTRA officials and senior officials from the three telcos at NTRA's Smart Village premises on 15 October.

Vodafone Egypt signed its 4G license for US$335 million, as well as a license to offer virtual fixed-lines services worth US$11.262 million. Etisalat Misr's 4G license cost US$535.5 million while their fixed-line license totalled US$11.262 million. Orange Egypt agreed to fork out US$484 million and US$11.262 million for its 4G and fixed-line licences respectively.

The ICT Minister is scheduled to meet with a number of Ministers of the UAE government to discuss cooperation in the ICT field and build information networks of smart governments and databases during his stay in Dubai. He is also set to meet with potential investors from the corporate sector.