Mozambique’s government has made 5G coverage compulsory in all provincial capitals, while scrapping its earlier plan to auction spectrum licences to mobile operators.
Instead, the country will adopt an administrative allocation model to accelerate 5G rollout, according to news agency Lusa.
Government spokesperson Inocencio Impissa said the decision reflects changes in the national telecommunications market that have “compromised the effectiveness” of spectrum auctions as a means to deploy next-generation networks.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Maputo, Impissa confirmed the repeal of a previous resolution authorising the auction of frequencies in the 700MHz, 2.6GHz, 3.5GHz and 26GHz bands. The new framework instead introduces coverage obligations - requiring operators to provide 5G in all provincial capitals and 4G across the country.
“This measure aims to accelerate access to 5G, ensure digital inclusion, and promote efficient spectrum use,” Impissa said. He added that the government will closely monitor compliance, warning that penalties and licence revocations could follow in cases of non-compliance.
The cabinet also approved a new telecommunications traffic control regulation, replacing a 2023 decree, to strengthen oversight of digital communications. The updated regulation introduces new mechanisms for monitoring telecom network traffic, covering all licensed operators and service providers.
According to Lusa, Impissa said the amendment responds to the growing use of telecommunications in digital public services, including government and financial systems, which has led to a rise in cyberattacks, fraud, and digital crimes.
He said the regulation is designed to enhance security across telecom networks, protect citizens and state institutions, and safeguard national sovereignty amid emerging risks from social media misuse and AI-driven cyber threats.
