As many resort to working and studying at home due to self-isolation, the novel coronavirus has created a situation demanding that Egypt improves its internet services.
Communications experts and lawmakers said that developing internet services also supports the Egyptian government’s plan for "digital transformation."
Last September, 7.8 billion Egyptian pounds in the 2019-2020 budget were earmarked for modernizing the information infrastructure and digital content in the African state.
“The Egyptian state was already moving towards digital transformation because global trends are heading in this direction-- providing online government services and banking transactions,” communications and technology expert Moqbil Fayyad told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“The state has developed a plan in this regard before, and it was fast-tracked by the emergence of the new coronavirus,” he added.
“Digital transformation is a positive step that must take place,” Fayyad concluded.
MP Tareq Metwali said that the coronavirus outbreak has pushed the world towards using the internet to communicate and work, something that demands drafting a strategy that improves the telecommunications infrastructure.
“The whole world depends on the internet for services and trading. Egypt has made great strides in improving services, and despite some reservations, there are strong efforts being exhausted in this area in the country,” he said.
Lawmaker Ahmed Al-Badawi said that the virus crisis is the first true test for digital transformation in Egypt. This is sampled, according to Badawi, by the government holding video conferences.
Badawi stressed that the state is almost done with fiberoptic connections, which will help and strengthen internet services and speeds.
