Maputo — October 31, 2025:
Mozambique’s government has announced a sweeping policy shift to mandate 5G coverage across all provincial capitals, while abandoning its earlier plan to auction spectrum licences for next-generation networks.
According to government spokesperson Inocencio Impissa, the decision stems from market developments that have “compromised the effectiveness” of spectrum auctions. Instead, Mozambique will adopt an administrative allocation model to speed up national 5G deployment and ensure digital inclusion.
Mandatory 5G and 4G Rollout Obligations
Under the new framework, all mobile operators are now required to deploy 5G in provincial capitals and 4G across the entire country. The government will strictly enforce these obligations, with penalties and potential licence revocations for non-compliance.
“This measure aims to accelerate access to 5G, ensure digital inclusion, and promote efficient spectrum use,” Impissa said following a cabinet meeting in Maputo.
Enhanced Oversight and Cybersecurity Measures
The cabinet also approved a new telecommunications traffic control regulation, replacing a 2023 decree, to bolster digital infrastructure security. The updated regulation introduces stronger monitoring mechanisms for network traffic and applies to all licensed operators and service providers.
Impissa explained that the reform responds to the increasing use of telecom networks in digital public services and financial systems, which has coincided with a rise in cyberattacks and digital crimes. The regulation is designed to protect citizens, institutions, and national sovereignty from emerging risks, including AI-driven cyber threats and misuse of social media.
A Shift Toward Strategic Connectivity
By replacing competitive spectrum auctions with an administrative approach, Mozambique aims to accelerate deployment timelines and expand digital access nationwide. The move underscores the government’s push to position next-generation connectivity as a strategic pillar of national development and security.
