What's Happening?
Mozambique's Communications Regulatory Authority (INCM) has initiated the process of allocating 5G spectrum by receiving proposals from the country's three main telecommunications companies: Tmcel, Vodacom Mozambique, and Movitel. The INCM plans to allocate
frequencies in the 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands, which are considered crucial for balancing geographical coverage, network capacity, and service quality of 5G networks. The government decided in October 2025 to allocate these frequencies through administrative consignment rather than an auction, allowing it to impose conditions on telcos to meet coverage and service quality benchmarks. The proposals detail how each company plans to meet these conditions, focusing on maximizing the spectrum's social and economic value and ensuring progressive 5G rollout, especially in rural and high-impact areas. The INCM will now evaluate the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of the applications.
Why It's Important?
The allocation of 5G spectrum in Mozambique is a significant step towards enhancing the country's digital infrastructure. The introduction of 5G technology is expected to accelerate the digitization of the economy, promote new digital services, and strengthen the competitiveness of the communications sector. This development could lead to improved internet connectivity, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban areas, thereby fostering economic growth and social inclusion. The decision to allocate spectrum through administrative consignment rather than auction reflects a strategic approach to ensure that telcos meet specific service quality and coverage benchmarks, which could set a precedent for other countries in the region.
What's Next?
The INCM will conduct a thorough evaluation of the proposals submitted by the telcos, focusing on their ability to meet the set conditions for 5G spectrum allocation. While no specific timeline has been provided for the approval of applications or the allocation of spectrum, the process is expected to involve detailed technical, economic, and regulatory assessments. The outcome of this evaluation will determine the pace and extent of 5G deployment across Mozambique, with potential implications for the country's digital economy and telecommunications landscape.
