logo
Morocco launches tender for 5G network licenses under digital 2030 strategy

Morocco launches tender for 5G network licenses under digital 2030 strategy

Ya Biladi12-07-2025
As part of the rollout of the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy and in line with the sector's general policy directions, a call for tenders has been launched for the allocation of licenses to establish and operate telecommunications networks using fifth-generation (5G) mobile technologies.
This initiative aims to equip the Kingdom with cutting-edge mobile communication infrastructure to support economic and social development, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) said in a statement.
5G technology is known for its ultra-fast transmission speeds and low latency, making it ideal for real-time applications and tailored to the needs of sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and agriculture.
The tender documents outline the regulatory framework as well as the technical and financial conditions required to establish each 5G network. They also set out the terms for commercial service provision, coverage and service quality obligations for each license holder, and the rules governing the evaluation of bids, which will be detailed in a public report.
The tender documents are available from the ANRT. Additional information can be requested by sending a letter via fax to +212 537 203862 or by emailing [email protected].
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UM6P, Tanger Med Launch AI Program to Transform Industrial Operations
UM6P, Tanger Med Launch AI Program to Transform Industrial Operations

Morocco World

time6 days ago

  • Morocco World

UM6P, Tanger Med Launch AI Program to Transform Industrial Operations

Marrakech – The University Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P) and Tanger Med Group signed a new partnership agreement on Tuesday, launching the 'AI Tanger Med' program. This initiative mobilizes students from the 1337 MED campus to develop artificial intelligence solutions for real industrial challenges faced by companies within the Tanger Med ecosystem. The program operates under the scientific guidance of UM6P's Artificial Intelligence Laboratory to ensure strong academic foundations while addressing practical operational needs. Students work on concrete projects involving automation, data analysis, and cybersecurity – all directly connected to port, logistics, and industrial operations. 'The terrain becomes a classroom and puts innovation at the service of operational excellence,' states the joint press release from both organizations. This approach creates a dual benefit: Tanger Med brings together its partners to formulate operational problems, while students gain an immersive, structured experience connecting their technical skills to industrial realities. The agreement builds upon a successful collaboration that began in 2021 with the establishment of the 1337 MED campus in Martil near Tangier. Today, this campus hosts nearly 400 students trained through a unique model in Morocco based on project learning, mutual assistance, and autonomy. Without traditional lectures or professors, students develop problem-solving skills through collaborative projects. This partnership propels the North African country's digital landscape forward alongside other technological initiatives. Earlier in July, the Ministry of Digital Transition held the first national conference on artificial intelligence under the theme 'An Efficient and Ethical AI Strategy Serving Our Society.' During this conference, Digital Transition Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni declared that 'integrating AI into the national strategic horizon is a prerequisite for sovereignty.' She asserted that AI must be viewed 'not as a subsidiary technical solution, but as a fundamental institutional responsibility.' The government has recently launched several initiatives to position Morocco as a regional leader in AI. On July 22, a protocol agreement between government ministries, the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), and the French group, Onepoint, established a data and AI excellence center in the Casablanca-Settat region. The project plans to recruit 500 Moroccan engineers over four years, strengthening expertise in AI, middleware, and data management. Additionally, the Ministry of Digital Transition signed partnerships with UM6P in early July to advance research in data centers and digital sovereignty as part of the 'Morocco Digital 2030' national strategy.

ANRT: Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange Obtain 5G Licenses for MAD 2.1 Billion
ANRT: Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange Obtain 5G Licenses for MAD 2.1 Billion

Morocco World

time26-07-2025

  • Morocco World

ANRT: Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange Obtain 5G Licenses for MAD 2.1 Billion

Marrakech – The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) announced on Friday that Morocco's three telecom operators have been granted 5G licenses following a competitive bidding process launched on July 11. According to an official press release by the regulator, Itissalat Al-Maghrib (Maroc Telecom), Wana Corporate (Inwi), and Médi Telecom (Orange) secured the licenses for a total of MAD 2.1 billion ($210 million), with varying financial contributions based on bandwidth allocation. Maroc Telecom paid MAD 900 million ($90 million) for 120 MHz of bandwidth, while Inwi and Orange each paid MAD 600 million ($60 million) for 70 MHz. The minimum reserve price for each 5G license was set at MAD 600 million ($60 million) corresponding to 70 MHz. Eventually, all three operators will have access to the same bandwidth of 120 MHz by utilizing frequency bands released for 5G development. The licenses will be valid for 20 years and are renewable. Coverage targets were initially set at eight cities and their airports by November 2025, 25% of the Moroccan population by the end of 2026, and 70% by the end of 2030. However, these objectives were revised upward during the ANRT Board meeting chaired by the Head of Government. The operators have committed to more ambitious coverage targets, with plans to reach 45% by the end of 2026 and 85% by the end of 2030. During the board meeting, ANRT Director General Azlarab Hassibi stated that 5G technology will be implemented through global investments of MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) spread over the coming years. This investment will fund the deployment through 2035. Read also: Maroc Telecom, Inwi Announce MAD 4.4 Billion Investment to Boost Home Fiber, 5G Deployment In the evaluation process, Maroc Telecom received a score of 87, Orange scored 85, and Inwi received 87. According to the instruction report, each bidder's offer exceeded the minimum requirements specified in the call for competition and complied with cybersecurity-related requirements. Operators will initially deploy 5G-NSA (Non-Standalone), with the deployment of 5G-SA (Standalone), or full 5G, beginning two years after the initial launch. For comparison, the 4G licenses granted in 2015 cost operators a total of MAD 2 billion ($200 million): MAD 1 billion ($100 million) for Maroc Telecom, MAD 503 million ($50.3 million) for Inwi, and MAD 500 million ($50 million) for Orange. The cost of 5G licenses is therefore only 20% higher than that of 4G. This strategic choice aims to allow operators to invest in this new generation of network while ensuring acceptable profitability. The deployment of 4G networks has enabled significant development in mobile communications over the past decade. According to ANRT figures, internet penetration is approaching 105% as of June, network coverage exceeds 99% of the Moroccan population, and the penetration rate of 4G smartphones in Morocco is approximately 80%. The development of 4G has also led to important reductions in mobile data tariffs. The main terms of the 5G licenses include national coverage, specific commitments regarding cybersecurity, service security, and continuity. Regular cybersecurity audits will be conducted in accordance with best practices. Future license holders will have access to 50-100 MHz in the 3 GHz frequency band and 2×10 MHz in the 700 MHz frequency band. Each interested assignee will have to financially contribute to the reorganization of the concerned frequency bands, with this contribution set at MAD 60 million ($6 million) per license.

Akhannouch: Expanding Telecom Access Nationwide Is a National Priority
Akhannouch: Expanding Telecom Access Nationwide Is a National Priority

Morocco World

time26-07-2025

  • Morocco World

Akhannouch: Expanding Telecom Access Nationwide Is a National Priority

Rabat – Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, emphasized on Friday the urgent need to accelerate the expansion of telecommunications networks across the country, calling it a vital national priority that can no longer be delayed. Speaking at the board meeting of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) in Rabat, Akhannouch highlighted that, despite the progress achieved by telecom operators and regulatory bodies, large segments of the population — particularly in rural and mountainous regions — still lack reliable access to telecommunications services. 'Ensuring access to quality telecom services for all citizens is no longer optional — it is a pressing need that requires immediate action,' Akhannouch stated, underlining the role of connectivity in reducing regional and digital inequalities. He urged the ANRT and relevant ministries to identify underserved areas and work together to rapidly deploy telecom infrastructure that meets the needs of those communities. The government stands ready to fully support these efforts and mobilize the necessary resources to close the digital gap, he argued. Akhannouch also reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to a comprehensive digital transformation, guided by the national 'Morocco Digital 2030' strategy. He stressed that universal access to high-speed internet and digital tools is crucial for inclusive socio-economic development and for keeping pace with global technological shifts. Beyond service 'Telecommunications is not just a service — it's a driver of national development,' he said. 'It supports job creation, improves competitiveness across sectors, and lays the foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth.' He noted that Morocco has already made major strides, with over 57 million mobile subscribers and nearly 40 million internet users. These achievements have placed Morocco among the top-performing African countries in the International Telecommunication Union's ICT Development Index. Looking ahead, Akhannouch said that Morocco must be ready to meet the demands of upcoming international events it will host, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, by strengthening its telecom infrastructure and internet coverage. He confirmed that efforts are underway to connect more than 5.2 million households by 2030 through expanded fiber optic networks and high-speed internet access. In addition, the rollout of 5G is in progress, with tender procedures already launched to introduce the technology in key cities. Akhannouch concluded by commending the efforts of telecom operators who continue to invest and innovate in the sector. He called on all stakeholders to remain committed to building a more connected, digitally inclusive Morocco. Despite significant progress in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, Morocco still has many remote villages, particularly in mountainous and rural areas, that remain without basic connectivity or internet access. These underserved regions face ongoing challenges in accessing essential digital services, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive network coverage to ensure that all citizens benefit equally from the country's digital transformation efforts. Tags: akhannouchConnectivitymorocco ANRT

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store