Launched in 2020, Digitel is exclusively owned by South Sudanese citizens. The mobile operator competes with the South African MTN and the Kuwaiti Zain.
Testing 5G Capabilities
On Thursday, June 13th, South Sudanese telecom company Digitel announced it was conducting 5G tests. This initiative aims to allow the mobile operator to assess its capabilities to provide ultra-high-speed commercial services in the country. It already promises its subscribers “lightning-fast speeds and unprecedented connectivity.”
Potential Impact of 5G
“With its ultra-high speed, low latency, and massive connectivity, 5G will enable smart cities and advance healthcare solutions across all sectors of our economy.
The network will allow our businesses to remain globally competitive, our government to provide smarter public services, and our citizens to have a platform to explore and create like never before,” said Jacob Maiju Korok, Deputy Minister of Information.
Strengthening Market Position
Once commercially launched, 5G will enable Digitel to better meet the needs of its existing customers and attract new ones. The telecom operator will be able to better assert itself in a market of approximately 11.2 million inhabitants where it competes with the South African MTN and the Kuwaiti Zain.
Internet and Mobile Penetration
According to the DataReportal data platform, the country had 1.36 million Internet users at the beginning of 2024 for a penetration rate of 12.1%. The country also had 3.97 million mobile subscribers, a penetration rate of 35.5%.