Yas Madagascar Tests Advanced 5G Ahead of Commercial Rollout
July 27th 2026
- Yas Madagascar has successfully tested advanced 5G (5.5G) as it prepares for the commercial rollout of the next evolution of mobile broadband technology.
- The operator continues to invest in mobile, fiber and satellite connectivity, building on its position as Madagascar’s first commercial 5G provider.
- Commercial adoption remains a key challenge, as Internet penetration and 4G coverage in Madagascar remain well below the African average.
Mobile operator Yas Madagascar tested advanced 5G (5.5G) technology last week as it prepares for the commercial deployment of the upgraded mobile standard amid growing demand for high-speed connectivity.
In a statement posted on social media, Yas said the initiative forms part of its vision to “prepare tomorrow’s digital uses, support innovation, accelerate digital transformation and create new opportunities for citizens, businesses and the economy.”
According to Madagascar’s Ministry of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, 5.5G represents the next stage in the evolution of mobile networks. The technology offers higher speeds, improved performance and greater intelligence, while creating new opportunities for artificial intelligence, industry, healthcare, agriculture, education and digital public services.
Yas continues network expansion from 4G to advanced 5G
The advanced 5G trial builds on Yas Madagascar’s ongoing investments to strengthen its telecommunications infrastructure.
The operator became the first company to launch commercial 5G services in Madagascar in 2020.
According to Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Technology Joël Andrinirina Randrianasolo, as quoted by Newsmada, Yas expanded its 4G coverage to 98% of the country’s territory in 2025.
The company is also extending its 5G network across several major cities, including Antananarivo, Toamasina, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa and Nosy Be.
At the same time, Yas continues to expand its fixed broadband infrastructure through fiber-optic networks.
The operator said fiber services are now available in almost every district across the country.
In addition, the company is exploring satellite connectivity to complement its terrestrial infrastructure.
In March, AXIAN Telecom announced a partnership with AST SpaceMobile to deploy direct-to-device satellite mobile connectivity across its African markets, including Madagascar. The technology aims to extend mobile services to rural and underserved areas.
These investments come as telecom operators across Africa upgrade network capacity to accommodate rising digital demand.
Yas held a 68% market share in Madagascar’s mobile telecommunications market as of March 31, 2025, where it competes with Orange and Airtel.
Commercial adoption remains the next challenge
Although Yas continues to modernize its network, consumer adoption of advanced services remains uncertain.
The company’s first challenge will involve expanding network coverage to allow more users to access the new technology.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 4G networks covered 34.6% of Madagascar’s population in 2024, compared with an African average of 75.2%.
Internet penetration reached approximately 20% in 2024, while mobile penetration stood at 44.4%.
Beyond network infrastructure, broader adoption of digital services will also depend on several additional factors.
These include the affordability of compatible devices and service plans, the availability of basic digital skills and the development of relevant local digital content.
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