Towards Next-Generation Mobile Networks: A Comparative Analysis of 5G and 6G Development in Libya and its Neighbors

Abstract

The global telecommunications landscape is undergoing a seismic shift with the advent of Fifth-Generation (5G) and the nascent research into Sixth-Generation (6G) technologies. These advancements are pivotal for national digital transformation, economic competitiveness, and societal progress. This paper critically examines the development trajectory of mobile communication networks in Libya, focusing on its two primary operators, Al-Madar Al-Jadeed and Libyana, as they navigate the transition towards 5G and preliminary 6G planning. Utilizing a comparative analytical methodology, the study benchmarks Libya's progress against neighboring North African nations—Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt—which are at more advanced stages of 5G deployment. Data was synthesized from International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and GSMA reports, national regulatory authorities, and operator publications. Findings reveal that Libya continues to significantly lag behind its regional peers. While initial 5G trials by Al-Madar Al-Jadeed and Libyana have progressed into 2024, the absence of dedicated spectrum allocation, a clear national strategy, and a robust cybersecurity framework remain substantial impediments. This paper adds a critical analysis of the cybersecurity landscape and the nascent role of Libyan research institutions in 6G. It also highlights socio-economic barriers, including a 40% digital illiteracy rate and a significant urban-rural coverage gap, where 4G penetration drops to 35% in non-urban areas. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations that directly address these multifaceted challenges, emphasizing integrated policy reform, secure infrastructure modernization, and early-stage 6G research collaboration to bridge the digital divide.