- Golis Telecom invests in 4G, mobile banking, and rural network expansion in Puntland
- Challenges include lack of regulation, poor infrastructure, and limited international bandwidth
Golis Telecom leads Puntland’s digital shift
Golis Telecom is the largest telecom operator in Puntland, Somalia, playing a central role in delivering mobile, internet, and financial services. Since its founding in 2002, the company has grown to serve over 1.2 million subscribers, offering services that span mobile voice, broadband, and digital payments. Through its wide-reaching GSM network and investment in 4G LTE, Golis is helping bridge the digital divide in Puntland, particularly in underserved rural regions.
According to its company profile, Golis also provides Golis EVC Plus, a mobile money platform that allows customers to pay bills, transfer funds, and make purchases using basic phones. This service has been vital in areas with limited access to banking infrastructure. By integrating telecom and financial tools, Golis supports local commerce and enables digital participation in a country with fragile institutions and patchy connectivity.
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Golis Telecom adapts amid regulatory and infrastructure gaps
While Golis Telecom has expanded rapidly, it faces serious structural hurdles. Somalia lacks a unified telecom regulatory authority, and each federal region operates under its own informal framework. This regulatory vacuum creates uncertainty, hampers competition, and complicates infrastructure sharing. Golis continues to push for clearer policy to support long-term investment and sector sustainability.
Infrastructure gaps also present barriers to growth. Limited electricity, weak transport networks, and lack of access to undersea fibre cables constrain high-speed internet development. Despite these issues, Golis remains committed to growing its reach, focusing on digital innovation and cost-effective mobile services. As mobile banking in Somalia becomes more essential, Golis is well-positioned to lead Puntland’s digital economy forward—provided regulatory reform can keep pace with market growth.
