The Communications Regulatory Authority of Mozambique (INCM) has initiated the allocation process for 5G frequencies following formal proposals from the country’s leading mobile operators: Tmcel, Vodacom Mozambique, and Movitel.
This initiative represents a significant shift for the Mozambican government, which transitioned away from conventional spectrum auctions in October 2025. By embracing an administrative allocation model, the INCM is prioritising swift infrastructure development over immediate state revenue collection.
This approach allows the regulator to impose stringent social responsibilities on the telecom companies, ensuring that the expansion targets the digital divide in a nation where internet penetration is currently around 20.5%.
The INCM plans to allocate frequency bands in the 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz ranges, aiming to balance extensive territorial coverage with high network capacity. These frequencies are crucial for powering next-gen mobile services and enhancing the competitiveness of the telecommunications sector.
“This rollout signifies a crucial move towards accelerating the digital transformation of the economy, fostering the development of new digital services and applications, while also bolstering the competitiveness of the communication industry,” stated the INCM.
Operators will be required to adhere to strict service quality and network performance standards, with licenses mandating the gradual nationwide expansion of coverage. The deployment strategy emphasises not only provincial capitals but also rural and peri-urban areas that hold significant economic potential.
