Internet Providers in Egypt
Africa — Ranked #90 globally for broadband speed
Egypt has one of the largest internet markets in Africa and the Middle East, with nearly 80 million internet users. Cairo and Alexandria are well-connected cities, while rural and Upper Egypt areas continue to receive expanded mobile broadband. The government has invested in a national fiber backbone and is pursuing ambitious broadband expansion. Egypt's strategic position at the junction of submarine cables passing through the Suez Canal makes it a critical node for global internet traffic.
Broadband Overview — Egypt
| Egypt Internet Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Population | 104,258,327 |
| Internet Users | 79,300,000 (76.1% penetration) |
| Broadband Household Coverage | 48.0% of households |
| FTTH / Fibre Penetration | 6.0% of fixed broadband |
| Mobile Subscriptions | 96 per 100 people |
| Avg. Monthly Cost (broadband) | ~USD $15 |
| Regulatory Body | National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) |
| Global Speed Rank | #90 (Ookla fixed broadband index) |
Broadband Infrastructure
Egypt's market is served by four main players: WE (Telecom Egypt, state-owned), Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and Etisalat Egypt (now e&). The national fiber backbone connects governorates. Egypt is a critical landing point for dozens of submarine cable systems passing between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The NTRA oversees licensing, quality, and internet policy.
Key Facts
- ✓ Egypt is the landing point for over 17 submarine cable systems — one of the world's most important cable hubs.
- ✓ Cairo is one of the fastest-growing tech startup ecosystems in Africa.
- ✓ WE (Telecom Egypt) operates the national fiber backbone alongside private operators.
- ✓ Egypt has expanded 4G LTE to cover over 90% of its population.
- ✓ The government has plans to roll out 5G networks starting 2025.
Internet Freedom in Egypt
- ● Egypt has blocked over 600 websites including major news outlets (Al Jazeera, Mada Masr, HuffPost Arabic)
- ● VPN usage is widespread but is legally restricted
- ● The Cybercrime Law (2018) grants broad powers to block content without court approval
- ● Social media slowdowns have been recorded during protests
- ● Journalists and bloggers have been imprisoned for online posts critical of the government
- ● The Supreme Media Regulatory Council (SMRC) can block sites deemed a 'threat to national security'
ISP Speed Comparison — Egypt
Benchmark speeds based on Speedtest.now methodology. Actual speeds vary by location and plan.
| Provider | Technology | Download | Upload | Ping | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Egypt | 4G Fixed Wireless, 5G | 38 Mbps | 14 Mbps | 26 ms | View → |
| Telecom Egypt (WE) | Fibre (FTTH), VDSL | 62 Mbps | 28 Mbps | 20 ms | View → |
| Vodafone Egypt | 4G Fixed Wireless, 5G | 44 Mbps | 18 Mbps | 24 ms | View → |
All Providers in Egypt
Orange Egypt
AS24863French brand offering mobile and fixed wireless broadband in Egypt.
Telecom Egypt (WE)
AS8452Egypt's national telecoms company and the only fixed-line operator.
Vodafone Egypt
AS36992Egypt's largest mobile operator offering home wireless broadband.
How to Choose an ISP in Egypt
1. Check Coverage
Not all ISPs serve all addresses. Enter your postcode or address on each ISP's website to confirm availability before ordering.
2. Match Speed to Use
Streaming HD requires 10 Mbps per screen. Working from home with video calls needs 25 Mbps minimum. Gaming and 4K streaming benefit from 100+ Mbps.
3. Compare Contracts
Check whether the ISP locks you into a 12 or 24-month contract. Rolling monthly deals offer flexibility but may cost more. Watch for setup fees.
4. Run a Speed Test
After signing up, run a speed test to verify you're getting the speeds you paid for. Test at different times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Egypt Broadband
Who are the main ISPs in Egypt?
The main providers are WE (Telecom Egypt), Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& (formerly Etisalat Egypt).
Is internet censored in Egypt?
Yes. Egypt has blocked dozens of news sites and some VoIP services. The government has broad legal authority to restrict online content.
How much does internet cost in Egypt?
Broadband plans are among the most affordable in the region, starting at around USD 10–20/month due to government subsidies and currency depreciation.