Telesom Makes History: Launches Somaliland’s Inaugural 5G Network

Somaliland, a part of East Africa acknowledged as part of Somalia, has just launched its first-ever super-fast network, known as 5G, bringing advanced connectivity to the region.

The government teamed up with Telesom, a leading local telecom company, for this groundbreaking initiative.

Telesom, a private local firm established in 2002, celebrated the launch of this project, including Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, at its headquarters in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Vice President Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail Saylici and Ministers Ahmed Yousuf Idiris and Abdirisaq Ibrahim Mohamed.

Telesom revealed that this cutting-edge network is now available not only in Hargeisa but also in 12 other urban areas across Somaliland, such as Burco, Buuhoodle, Boboma, Bebera, Erigavo, Gabiley, Laascaanood, Sheekh, and Xudun.

What makes this achievement noteworthy is that Somaliland is among the first low-income markets in Africa to introduce 5G, standing out even among its East African neighbours.

Somalia, its closest neighbour, recently entered the 5G era on January 4, 2024, through Somtel.

Somaliland’s journey to this tech milestone is particularly remarkable amid ongoing armed conflicts and a prolonged civil war, which has strained diplomatic relations with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia.

While the cost of 5G and FWA services for subscribers remains uncertain, Somaliland, as an extension of Somalia, is known for having some of the most affordable mobile data plans in Africa, with 1 GB typically priced at $0.50.

Despite challenges, Somaliland boasts impressive telecommunication coverage, with 95% of its 3.5 million people having access to telephone and internet services. However, feature phones are more prevalent compared to devices compatible with 5G.

Moreover, Somaliland takes pride in having one of the world’s most active mobile money markets, driven by Telesom ZAAD. Approximately 26% of the population uses mobiles to pay bills, while 32% engage in sending and receiving money through these services.