Yemen

ETC Activities

The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) was activated on 28th April 2015 to provide common telecommunication services to the humanitarian community responding to the crisis. WFP is leading ETC activities.

ETC Yemen project includes:

  1. Establish, upgrade and maintain Security Telecommunications services 
  2. Provide shared Internet Connectivity services
  3. Provide solar charging stations
  4. Coordination and Information-Sharing

 

Current Operations
Asset 680
Emergency
Key Documents
SitRep
Asset 772
Minutes
Asset 767
Infographic
Asset 767
Dashboard
Asset 767

ICT Profile

Country background
Country name
Yemen
Capital city
Sana'a
Name of national disaster management agency

N/A

Name of telecommunications ministry

Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology

Name of telecommunications regulator

Public Telecommunications Corporation (PTC) of the Ministry of Telecommunications and Internet Technology

Population

Approximately 34 million (as of 2023)

Country narrative

Yemen is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflict since 2015, leading to economic collapse, displacement, and outbreaks of diseases like cholera. Peace efforts remain challenging.

Currency

Yemeni Rial (YER)

Key ICT statistics
Fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

Approximately 4.6 per 100 inhabitants (as of latest available data, 2021)

Mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

Approximately 46 per 100 inhabitants (as of latest available data, 2021)

Fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

Approximately 1.19 per 100 inhabitants (as of latest available data, 2021)

Mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

Approximately 46 per 100 inhabitants (as of latest available data, 2021)

GSMA mobile connectivity index score

26.1

3G coverage % of population

73.7

Regulations and rules
Regolations/Rules
Type of regulation
Disaster management
Policy name

National Disaster Risk Management Framework (NDRMF)

Description

The NDRMF focuses on enhancing Yemen’s capacity to manage and mitigate the impacts of natural and man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and conflicts. It includes risk assessments, early warning systems, and emergency preparedness. The framework emphasizes coordination among government agencies, local authorities, and international partners, and advocates for integrating disaster risk reduction into national development planning and community-based approaches.

Type of regulation
Telecommunications
Policy name

Telecommunications Law No. 19 of 1991

Description

This law regulates Yemen's telecommunications sector, establishing the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology as the regulatory authority. It covers licensing, spectrum management, competition, consumer protection, and the responsibilities of telecom providers to maintain service quality and coverage. The law also sets guidelines for the import and use of telecommunications equipment and enforces penalties for non-compliance.

Type of regulation
UAV
Policy name

Civil Aviation Law

Description

The Civil Aviation Law regulates UAV operations in Yemen under the Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority (CAMA). It requires UAV operators to obtain licenses and adhere to safety regulations, including UAV registration and designated airspace usage to avoid interference with manned aviation. The law also covers commercial UAV activities and imposes penalties for unauthorized operations that threaten public safety or national security.

Communications service providers
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Yemen Mobile
GSMA HCC signatory
No
Parent company name (majority holding)
Government of Yemen
Service description
CDMA mobile network services, including voice, SMS, and data.
Coverage map (provide URL)
https://www.gsma.com/coverage/#1482
Mobile money service available
No
Fibre optic network
No
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Sabafon
GSMA HCC signatory
No
Parent company name (majority holding)
Multiple private investors
Service description
GSM mobile services, including voice, SMS, and 3G data.
Coverage map (provide URL)
https://www.gsma.com/coverage/#587
Mobile money service available
No
Fibre optic network
No
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes