Guinea, located in West Africa, is predominantly rural with about 75% of its population of 13.5 million people living in outlying areas. Its geography includes coastal plains, mountainous regions and a savannah interior, which can pose challenges for technology and telecommunications infrastructure. The capital, Conakry, is the major urban centre where the majority of the country's technological advancement is concentrated. Guinea's telecommunications sector is developing, with internet penetration at approximately 35%, indicating potential for growth. Internet access is limited, primarily due to inadequate infrastructure. There is a focus on hydropower for renewable energy, capitalising on the country's significant river resources, with the Kaleta Dam and Souapiti Dam being key projects. However, electrification rates remain low with 47% of the population having access to electricity. Guinea's technology sector is emerging, with the government recently introducing a digital Guinea 2025 plan, seeking to improve digital infrastructure and promote innovation and e-government services.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 4 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Cellcom Guinea is a telecommunications company that operates within the Republic of Guinea. The company was launched in 2004 with the mission to offer innovative and affordable telecommunication services to the Guinean population. Cellcom Guinea is a subsidiary of Cellcom Telecommunications Ltd., a multinational telecommunications corporation based in Liberia. The company changed hands in early 2023 to be locally owned by Guinean billionaire Mohamed Diallo.
Intercel+ Sudatel is a telecommunications network provider that operates within the geographical boundaries of Guinea. The company, which was established in the year 2006, is a subsidiary of the Sudanese telecommunications company, Sudatel. Sudatel, the parent company, holds a majority stake, making Intercel+ Sudatel predominantly Sudanese owned. The company's primary function is to provide mobile network services to the local population in Guinea.
MTN Areeba Guinée is the second largest mobile network operating in Guinée-Conakary. The company was founded in 2006 and as of 2018 provides mobile services in 262 prefectures across the country, making it the second largest operator by geographic coverage area. The parent company, MTN Group, was founded in 1994 as M-Cell with assistance from the South African government. It has grown to become one of the largest mobile network operators in the world, and the largest in Africa, with a presence in over 20 countries.
Orange Guinea is a subsidiary of the French multinational telecommunications corporation, Orange S.A., which was formerly known as France Télécom S.A. Orange S.A. has been the main brand for mobile, landline, internet and Internet Protocol television (IPTV) services since 2006. The Orange brand originated in the United Kingdom in 1994 after Hutchison Whampoa acquired a controlling stake in Microtel Communications. This company then became a subsidiary of Mannesmann in 1999 and was subsequently acquired by France Télécom in 2000. The France Télécom company was rebranded to Orange on 1 July 2013...