The 5G readiness of Mauritius
Mauritius stands out as a leader in 5G readiness, and the nation is well positioned to leverage 5G technology for both economic and social development. Since 2021, the country has successfully completed its 5G spectrum assignments, granting licenses to three operators namely Emtel, Chili, and Mauritius Telecom, to utilize the 2600 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands. Today, 5G is deployed across more than 70% throughout the island and Rodrigues Island is also covered.
The Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranks Mauritius highly alongside South Africa and Kenya, showcasing its strong network readiness for digital transformation namely in areas such as cybersecurity and inclusion, which are critical components of a robust digital ecosystem. Moreover, the country boasts an impressive digital infrastructure with high internet penetration rate of 158% as at 2023 thus laying a solid foundation for the adoption of innovative technologies like 5G.
The impact of 5G deployment on Mauritius’ economic growth
The impact of 5G on the economic growth of Mauritius is undeniable and transformative. As the country embarks on this technological journey, infrastructure development becomes a cornerstone of its strategy. The rollout of 5G networks necessitates substantial investment in infrastructure, which not only creates jobs but also stimulates economic activity. This aligns perfectly with Mauritius’s ambition to evolve into a high-income economy by harnessing digital technologies.
There is no doubt that 5G can be a game changer for economic growth enabling the development of high value add sectors such as smart manufacturing, smart tourism or smart agriculture. Moreover, the expansion of the digital economy fueled by 5G will attract investments and create jobs within the ICT sector, further contributing to GDP growth.
As businesses across the tourism, education or health industries leverage on advanced connectivity, an influx of new revenue streams and innovative business models will emerge from this technological revolution. Startups focused on virtual reality, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are likely to flourish in this environment, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that is essential for sustainable economic development.
Furthermore, digital government services will see significant improvements with initiatives like Mobile ID, a digital identity card designed to streamline administrative processes, making public services more accessible and efficient than ever before.
By adopting 5G early, Mauritius is strategically positioning itself to maintain a competitive advantage in the region, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and entrepreneurship. The future is bright for Mauritius as it leverages this cutting-edge technology to diversify its economy and secure its place on the global stage. However, investment in infrastructure is vital for this transformation. The rollout of robust 5G networks requires substantial investment in digital infrastructure which stimulates economic activity while creating jobs across various sectors.
Strategic spectrum allocation will support advanced service development within telecommunications, encouraging further investment into this crucial area.
Some innovative applications developed using 5G:
Innovative applications powered by 5G are rapidly transforming various sectors in Mauritius, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital innovation. The integration of Smart Cities and IoT is revolutionizing urban living, enhancing efficiency and sustainability through interconnected devices that streamline services. In healthcare, telemedicine is experiencing a boost, allowing for remote consultations and real-time monitoring that improve patient care across the island.
Education is also being transformed with the advent of Virtual Reality technologies, creating immersive learning experiences that engage students like never before. Furthermore, agriculture is benefiting from precision farming techniques enabled by 5G connectivity, allowing farmers to optimize resources and increase yields.
Additionally, the tourism sector is leveraging these advancements to enhance visitor experiences through interactive applications and smart solutions. These groundbreaking developments underscore Mauritius’s commitment to harnessing technology for progress and innovation across multiple domains.
To conclude, projections indicate that 5G could contribute up to $1.3 trillion to global GDP by 2030—its relative impact on the economy of Mauritius could be profound given the country’s strategic focus on digital transformation.
Mauritius is poised to leverage 5G as a catalyst for economic transformation by driving innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering entrepreneurship across various sectors.
Embracing this technology now is thus not just an option; it’s an imperative for ensuring that Mauritius thrives in an increasingly connected world.
