The Egyptian National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) signed a cooperation protocol to activate joint mechanisms aimed at improving telecommunications services for persons with disabilities in Egypt.
The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to empowering people with disabilities and ensuring their integration into the digital society.
The protocol was signed by Dr. Iman Karim, General Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Eng. Mohamed Shamroukh, CEO of the NTRA.
The protocol sets out enhanced cooperation between the two sides through expertise exchange and coordination to provide telecommunications services in line with the latest international standards. The agreement also includes joint awareness campaigns, training workshops, and the establishment of an effective complaints-handling mechanism, particularly addressing the needs of persons with hearing and visual impairments.
In this context, Dr. Karim emphasized that the Council, as the national body mandated by Law No. (11) of 2019 to coordinate disability-related efforts and propose policies and legislation, places strategic partnerships at the top of its priorities. She explained that the protocol aligns with both the state’s and the Council’s commitment to empowering people with disabilities, ensuring their access to communications and ICT services, and providing assistive devices and technologies that enable greater participation in society. This is also consistent with Law No. (10) of 2018 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which guarantees their full and equal inclusion in all aspects of life.
Dr. Karim further noted that the Council’s role extends to protecting persons with disabilities from technological risks and creating a safe, supportive environment for the use of digital services. She stressed that cooperation with the NTRA demonstrates the shared commitment of both institutions to ensuring accessible, fair, and inclusive access to information—an important step towards strengthening social integration.
For his part, Eng. Shamroukh described the protocol as a pivotal step in integrating persons with disabilities into the digital society. He affirmed that the NTRA is committed to employing the latest technologies and innovative initiatives to guarantee equal access to services across all segments of society.
He added that the partnership paves the way for developing tailored services that enhance access to technology and communications, expand effective communication channels, and build an inclusive digital environment in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and international best practices, including the recommendations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
NTRA has already introduced a series of initiatives to serve persons with disabilities, such as:
Requiring mobile companies to provide a 50% discount on monthly packages and priority access at branches and points of sale.
Adapting company websites and mobile applications to meet accessibility standards.
Launching the first sign language video call center for the deaf and people with hearing disabilities, alongside sign language interpreters at selected branches.
Providing contracts and terms in Braille for the visually impaired.
Exempting certain e-wallet transactions from fees.
Implementing accessibility codes in company branches to ensure ease of access.
These initiatives reflect the principle that technology is not merely a service but a powerful tool for empowerment. They also highlight Egypt’s leadership in promoting inclusive communications policies and advancing social justice through digital transformation.
