ICT minister cancels abroad trip over Telecom Egypt fire
- Staff Writer
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
By Dumisani Sigogo
Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, cut short his overseas trip after a fire broke out at Telecom Egypt's Ramses Telephone Exchange.
The minister inspected the Ramses Telephone Exchange in downtown Cairo yesterday to assess the damage caused by the fire, and he also reviewed the steps made to restore telecommunications services that had been disrupted.
Talaat was accompanied by Vice Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Transformation Raafat Hindy, Telecom Egypt CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Nasr, and representatives from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority and Telecom Egypt.
According to the ICT Minister, all telecommunications services would be gradually restored within 24 hours. He explained that services had been diverted to other exchanges to assure service availability.
A statement from the Ministry said Talaat refuted assertions that Egypt relies on a single telephone exchange, saying that, while the Ramses Telephone Exchange will be out of operation for several days, service restoration is continuing via alternate exchanges.
It added: "Talaat affirmed that all critical services—such as emergency numbers, the bread distribution system, airports, ports, and essential utilities—are operating normally in most governorates. Only a few areas have witnessed temporary service disruptions, which are being addressed this morning.
"He stressed that the situation is being monitored in real time and directed that all repair and restoration work be completed swiftly. He also called for a list of affected users to be compiled so they can be compensated.”
The ICT Minister, according to the statement, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to Telecom Egypt’s leadership and staff, mourning those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Following the inspection, Talaat visited hospitals where the injured were transferred, including Al Mounira, Dar Al Fouad, Sidnawy, and the Coptic Hospital. He checked on their condition and instructed that full support and medical care be provided, said the statement.
