Algeria is stepping up preparations for the rollout of fifth-generation mobile technology as Chinese telecoms equipment maker ZTE joined local operator Ooredoo Algeria in a series of 5G network tests and demonstrations in the capital, industry sources said.
ZTE said on Jan. 28 it took part in the 5G Vertical Industry Summit hosted by Ooredoo Algeria in Algiers, an event aimed at preparing the domestic market for the introduction of 5G services. The summit brought together telecoms professionals, technology partners and industry stakeholders to showcase the potential of next-generation mobile networks.
The event featured live network tests, speed demonstrations and interactive applications designed to highlight the key capabilities of 5G, including ultra-high data speeds, low latency and the ability to support a large number of connected devices simultaneously.
ZTE, one of the world’s largest suppliers of telecoms equipment and network solutions, works with Ooredoo on upgrading its infrastructure. Its participation in the summit formed part of this technical partnership, with the company providing equipment and expertise to support the demonstrations.
Ooredoo Algeria said the initiative was intended to familiarise businesses, institutions and consumers with the potential uses of 5G, ahead of a gradual commercial rollout once regulatory and technical conditions are in place.
Industry participants say Algeria’s mobile operators are increasingly focused on preparing their networks for 5G, even as fourth-generation services continue to expand. While authorities have not yet announced a firm timeline for commercial deployment, operators have been conducting trials and pilot projects to test network readiness and potential use cases.
The demonstrations at the summit focused on applications that require high bandwidth and near-instantaneous response times, including immersive digital experiences, cloud-based services and advanced industrial solutions. Such capabilities are seen as critical for sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and smart cities.
“5G is not just about faster mobile internet,” an industry participant at the event said. “It is an enabling technology for new services and business models, particularly for data-intensive and mission-critical applications.”
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Telecoms analysts say 5G could help Algeria improve service quality on congested networks, while also supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda. The technology is widely viewed as a foundation for innovation in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), automation and artificial intelligence.
Algeria has one of North Africa’s largest mobile markets, with tens of millions of subscribers served by three main operators Mobilis, Djezzy and Ooredoo. While 4G coverage has expanded significantly in recent years, demand for mobile data continues to grow, driven by video streaming, online services and digital payments.
Operators say preparing for 5G requires significant investment in network infrastructure, including fibre backhaul, data centres and upgraded radio equipment. Equipment suppliers such as ZTE see the Algerian market as strategically important as countries across Africa gradually move toward next-generation networks.
For Ooredoo, the summit was also an opportunity to position itself as a key player in Algeria’s future 5G ecosystem, highlighting its technical partnerships and readiness to deploy advanced services when authorised.
Algerian authorities have previously said that 5G will be introduced gradually, taking into account market demand, spectrum availability and economic conditions. Regulators are expected to play a central role in allocating frequencies and setting the framework for commercial deployment.
Across Africa, several countries have launched limited 5G services or pilot projects, though widespread adoption has been slower than in parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, largely due to cost considerations and uneven demand.
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Despite these challenges, industry players in Algeria say early testing and awareness initiatives are essential to ensure a smooth transition when 5G is eventually launched.
“Preparing the ecosystem is just as important as deploying the technology itself,” one telecoms executive said. “Events like this help build understanding of what 5G can deliver and how it can support economic and digital development.”
For now, operators and equipment makers are expected to continue technical trials and industry engagement as Algeria lays the groundwork for its next phase of mobile connectivity.
