Spectrum and Network Evolution in MENA: Insights from GCC Markets

Sylwia Kechiche, Robert Wyrzykowski

We recently examined the performance of GCC countries compared to their EMEA counterparts. In collaboration with the GSMA Spectrum team, this analysis dives deeper into the 5G rollout, technology sunsets, and spectrum refarming across MENA, highlighting valuable insights derived from the GCC’s strategic approach. 

Key findings

• GCC 5G leadership. GCC countries lead 5G adoption in MENA, driven by proactive spectrum assignments and regulatory support. The 3.5GHz band is the foundation for 5G in the GCC. 
• Network sunsetting and spectrum refarming. GCC countries are accelerating the shift to 4G and 5G by phasing out 2G and 3G networks, freeing up valuable spectrum and improving network performance. Regulators in Kuwait, Oman and Qatar have further supported this transition by restricting imports of 2G/3G-only devices, fostering the transition to modern networks.
• Transition challenges in non-GCC MENA countries. In some markets, 2G and 3G use is still present, highlighting a need for network upgrades, and affordable devices to ensure digital inclusion. 
   

3.5GHz: a cornerstone for 5G deployments in GCC countries

GCC countries were among the early adopters of 5G, with strong government support for spectrum allocation and rapid network deployments by operators. Almost all operators across the GCC have access to at least 100MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band. This band, known for its balance between coverage and capacity, allows high-speed connections with broader reach if compared to higher frequencies like mmWaves. As a result, most 5G deployments in the region use the 3.5GHz band, which is used almost exclusively in Qatar and Kuwait (99%). This strategic focus on 3.5GHz aligns with best practices observed in APAC markets like South Korea, Malaysia, and New Zealand, where 5G is also deployed primarily on this band, underscoring its critical role in delivering high-speed and reliable 5G connectivity.

Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE utilize the 2.6GHz spectrum for 5G to varying degrees in addition to the 3.5GHz band. Furthermore, Oman stands out as the only GCC country deploying low-band 700MHz frequencies for 5G connectivity; Vodafone Oman uses 700MHz for extended outdoor coverage and improved indoor penetration, supplemented by 2600MHz for increased network capacity.

Our previous analysis of GCC 5G download speeds shows impressive results, with Saudi Arabia ranked second among large landmass countries in the EMEA region, while Qatar led among small landmass markets. Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain also demonstrated strong 5G performance, reporting average speeds above 250Mbps. This is reflected in the substantial speed uplift seen from 4G to 5G across the GCC, with Kuwait experiencing an 8.2 times increase, followed by Qatar (7.5 times), Saudi Arabia (7.3 times), UAE (6.8 times), Bahrain (6.2x), and Oman (4.9x).

5G adoption across the Middle East and North Africa

5G adoption in the MENA region shows marked variation, with GCC countries at the forefront. By the end of October 2023, all 16 mobile operators across the six GCC markets had launched commercial 5G services. According to  GSMA Intelligence, 5G made up nearly a quarter (24%) of all mobile connections in these markets in Q3 2024, projected to reach 99 million by 2030 — or 95% of all connections. Elsewhere in the Middle East, operators in Jordan have launched 5G services during 2023; Türkiye is preparing for 5G, with plans for a spectrum auction in 2025 and a targeted 2026 rollout.

In North Africa, on the other hand, 5G momentum is slowly gaining traction. In Egypt, all four Egyptian operators received 5G licenses from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), while 5G Tunisia’s Ministry of Communication Technologies has initiated the tender process for 5G licenses. In September 2023, Tunisie Telecom, Orange Tunisie, and Ooredoo Tunisia submitted applications for 5G licenses, securing 5MHz of spectrum in the 700MHz band and 100MHz in the 3.5GHz band each.

Networks sunset and spectrum refarming initiatives

GCC countries have been at the forefront of transitioning to 4G and 5G networks. These wealthier nations have proactively migrated from legacy 2G and 3G networks to 4G and 5G, enhancing network performance and capacity. Our users in these countries spend less than 10% of their time on legacy networks.

Some regulators have introduced import restrictions on older technology to accelerate the shift from 2G and 3G. For instance, Kuwait’s Resolution No. 297/2023 prohibited the import of devices that only support 2G and 3G from September 1, 2023. Similarly, Qatar’s regulator, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), has banned the import of 2G/3G-only mobile phones, approving only devices that support 4G and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and meet CRA standards. 

The Middle East is not alone in taking targeted steps. In other regions, regulators are also taking steps to mitigate the impact of network sunsets. For instance, Australia has initiated an inquiry into its planned 3G shutdown. The focus is addressing potential challenges for users with older 4G devices that lack VoLTE support, as these users might face issues calling emergency services once 3G is discontinued. Similarly, the Brazilian regulator, Anatel, has set the 3G sunset date to April 2025 and no longer approves 2G/3G-only devices.

In contrast, countries like Sudan, Libya, Iraq, and Yemen face more significant challenges, with over 25% of users still relying on 2G and 3G networks. These countries require extended timelines and additional support to migrate fully to 4G and 5G, highlighting a digital divide within the MENA region. The slower pace of transition in these markets underscores the need for a supportive regulatory framework, network upgrades, and device transition initiatives to improve connectivity. Bridging this gap will require coordinated efforts from governments, international partners, and industry stakeholders to support infrastructure development, drive investment, and ensure access to affordable devices compatible with modern networks.

Technology sunset status in MENA

Network sunsetting has become essential for freeing up the spectrum to support next-generation technologies. By retiring 2G and 3G, operators can redirect resources to 4G and 5G, which supports greater spectral efficiency, as well as enhanced capacity and coverage. This shift allows operators to refarm spectrum to support faster, higher-capacity networks, simplify network operations to reduce capex and opex and streamline device offerings by focusing on 4G/5G-compatible models that are more efficient and future-ready. Additionally, sunsetting helps mitigate the risks and costs of maintaining outdated equipment with limited upgrades. Furthermore, regulators can support allocating spectrum on a technology-neutral basis, enabling flexibility and allowing operators to repurpose 2G and 3G spectrum for 4G and 5G; Saudi Arabia is one example of such an approach. 

According to the latest GSA report —which tracks completed, planned, or in-progress switch-offs of 2G and 3G networks as announced by operators — Europe has or will still be undertaking the most significant number of shutdowns (101 or 52.6% of the total), followed by Asia, and North America. Nine operators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have announced plans to shut down legacy networks, representing 4.7% of all global shutdown announcements.

• UAE: du and Etisalat completed their 2G shutdowns in 2022 
• Saudi Arabia: Mobily, Zain, and STC were initially planning to complete 2G shutdowns in December 2022. However, the strategy has shifted to sunsetting 3G instead. 
• Bahrain: Batelco completed a 2G sunset in November 2021, Zain and STC completed their 3G sunset.
• Jordan: Umniah completed its 2G shutdown in March 2021. 
• Oman: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman plans to phase out 3G networks starting in July 2024.
• Qatar: The CRA recently announced that 3G services will be phased out by December 2025, marking a significant shift towards 4G and 5G.
• Kuwait: to accelerate the expansion of 4G and 5G services, Kuwait will shut down 3G services by June 2025, redirecting mobile network capacity to 5G users.

There are no announced timelines for MENA's remaining countries and operators regarding when 2G and 3G will shutter. The lack of planned sunsets underscores the need for further strategic planning to support network modernization across the region.

4G spectrum resources: a mixed landscape

Since 5G deployment is still pending in several MENA countries, Opensignal has explored the frequency bands currently in use for 4G and the repurposing of two legacy bands initially assigned to 2G and 3G: 900MHz (3GPP Band 8) and 2100MHz (3GPP Band 1). Originally intended for voice and basic data services, these bands are now being leveraged in many MENA markets to enhance 4G connectivity.

However, some countries, such as Jordan, Libya, and Morocco, have already allocated the 2300MHz, 2600MHz, and 3500MHz bands for wireless access using older technologies like WiMAX. As such, these bands will need to be repurposed before they can be fully utilized for 4G. 

The 1800MHz (3GPP Band 3) frequency band is the most widely used for 4G across MENA countries - it represents the largest proportion of 4G readings in several markets. Countries like Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Libya, UAE, Oman, Tunisia, Yemen, and Sudan rely heavily on this band, with over half of their 4G readings coming from 1800MHz.

Another significant band for 4G in MENA is 2100MHz, which was initially used for 3G. Currently, nine countries have over 20% of their 4G readings on this band, with Qatar (48%) and Algeria (41%) being particularly reliant on it. 

The 2.6GHz band is primarily used in Morocco (34%), Egypt (33%), and Kuwait (28%), providing additional capacity in high-density areas. Meanwhile, only Algeria and Saudi Arabia use the 2.3GHz band for 4G.

While low bands (sub-1GHz) like 700MHz, 800MHz, and 900MHz offer valuable coverage benefits, they are neither widely deployed for 4G or 5G in MENA. For instance, operators in Saudi Arabia (13%) and Yemen (22%) primarily use the 700MHz band to extend coverage in rural and suburban areas. The 800MHz band accounts for less than a third of 4G readings in countries such as Sudan (33%), Oman (26%), and UAE (22%). It is worth noting that countries like Mauritania, Morocco, and Sudan have allocated the 800 or 850MHz bands for CDMA 2000 technology. Depending on the band plan, CDMA 850 may cause potential interference with the 900MHz (E-GSM) band within these countries and neighboring regions. The 900MHz band is even less commonly used for 4G in MENA, with Jordan showing the highest usage at just 9%.

Turning our attention to the 900MHz band, none of the operators in the GCC have refarmed this spectrum for 5G. This contrasts with markets like Australia in the APAC region, where our recent analysis shows that 8% of 5G readings use the 900MHz band. Instead, four out of six GCC countries have repurposed the 900MHz band to varying extents for 4G networks, with Jordan leading at 94%, followed by Kuwait 86%, Saudi Arabia (63%), Bahrain (59%), UAE (42%), and Turkiye (38%). Oman still primarily uses the 900MHz band for 3G, and Qatar almost exclusively relies on it for 3G, which is surprising given its network modernization plans. Across North Africa, the 900MHz band is still largely dedicated to 3G services. This band offers notable advantages, including extended coverage and better indoor penetration due to its low frequency. 

The 2100MHz band is not used for 5G services in the MENA region, in contrast to APAC markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, where it is increasingly dedicated to 5G. For instance, In Singapore, over 80% of mobile network readings for smartphone users are on 5G in the 2100MHz band. In the GCC, however, the 2100MHz band is primarily used for 4G services and accounts for most 4G readings in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, it is still an important spectrum band for 3G provision across Lebanon, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, and Morocco. 

Transition to 5G-Advanced

Building on their 5G momentum, GCC countries are now progressing toward 5G-Advanced technology. This evolution aims to enhance network performance, capacity, and reliability even further, enabling support for advanced applications such as smart cities, industrial IoT, and immersive media. Several operators across the GCC are conducting 5G-Advanced trials to explore the potential of additional spectrum bands, especially in the 6GHz range, for increased network speeds and reduced latency:

• Saudi Arabia: Zain Saudi Arabia and Huawei collaborate on 5G-Advanced capabilities, focusing on high-demand applications like Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and enhanced urban connectivity.

• UAE: Both e& and du have conducted trials using the 6GHz band, with e& achieving up to 10Gbps speeds, showcasing the band’s potential for future mobile technology.

• Bahrain: STC Bahrain recently completed trials in the upper 6GHz range, focusing on connectivity for smart cities and enterprise use cases.

The shift to 5G-Advanced aligns with GCC countries’ strategic goals to remain global leaders in connectivity. It will set the stage for precise network slicing, edge computing, and private network deployments. 

Key takeaways from the GCC’s approach: 

• Strategic spectrum management. GCC experiences highlight the value of early spectrum allocation and management, particularly focusing on the 3.5GHz band. However, low-band spectrum can help extend 5G usage for rural connectivity, which will be particularly important in some other MENA markets.
• Regulatory foresight: Effective policies, such as import restrictions on legacy devices in GCC, accelerate network modernization. Other MENA countries could benefit from harmonized regulatory approaches and technology-neutral licensing as well. 
• Impact on network performance: Phasing out 2G and 3G networks allows MENA operators to allocate resources to high-capacity 4G and 5G, improving overall connectivity and user experience at the same time, 
• Device Affordability and Digital Inclusion. Ensuring access to affordable devices is critical for promoting digital inclusion, as it enables broader sections of the population to access 4G and 5G networks and the digital services they enable. 

The GCC’s proactive approach to spectrum reallocation and network sunsetting could serve as an example of a strategic roadmap for the MENA region. Continued investment in 5G and regulatory alignment will be essential for optimizing network infrastructure as more MENA countries pursue similar strategies. 

For further insights and a deeper analysis of the impact of spectrum on mobile network experience, subscribe to Opensignal’s newsletter. To read more about spectrum, visit  GSMA Spectrum. We will be attending M360 MENA, so if you are interested in scheduling a briefing with us, please contact us.