The Reality of Sudan’s Connectivity Crisis

By: Babiker Mohamed
Digital Analyst

Forget 5G sci-fi speeds. Let’s imagine the millions of Sudanese who battle everyday to send a text, particularly during these difficult times. In some areas a single WhatsApp message can take minutes or an hour to send. Which is why in Sudan, the possibility to push for 5G technology maybe seen as premature now. So before telecom companies invest in cutting-edge networks, they must address the glaring deficiencies in existing infrastructure, particularly 2G, 3G, and 4G services.

It is important to note that over 60% of Sudan’s population resides in areas where 2G remains the primary or the only network available. These outdated systems lack the bandwidth to support basic internet browsing, let alone modern applications. So I say that to say this, Telecom companies cannot justify investing in 5G or any advanced tech, which obviously requires dense fiber networks and stable electricity, when the existing services fail to meet basic needs. So instead of trying to keep up with competition and the rest of the world, In contrast, upgrading the existing towers and expanding 4G coverage is cheaper, faster, and more impactful. In reality the connectivity problem in Sudan demands that it be treated as urgently as food or medicine. While 5G may one day have its place, today’s priority is clear, fix and improve the already broken systems.