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

Morocco World

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • 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

Morocco to Invest $8 Billion for 85% 5G Coverage by 2030
Morocco to Invest $8 Billion for 85% 5G Coverage by 2030

Morocco World

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Morocco World

Morocco to Invest $8 Billion for 85% 5G Coverage by 2030

Marrakech – The Moroccan government has announced plans to invest MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) to deploy 5G technology across the country, with the goal of covering 85% of the population by 2030. The announcement came during the board meeting of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), held Friday in Rabat under the chairmanship of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. The ambitious project will begin implementation by the end of 2025, with several major cities receiving 5G coverage in the initial phase. This initiative forms part of the broader 'Morocco Digital 2030' strategy, which aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation. During the meeting, ANRT Director General Azzelarab Hassibi presented the current state of telecommunications in Morocco. He noted that mobile phone services now reach 57 million subscribers, while internet users number approximately 40 million, representing a 90% penetration rate – significantly higher than the African continental average of 37%. These advancements have positioned Morocco as the leading African country in the 2025 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rankings according to the Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI). The board meeting also addressed territorial disparities in telecommunications coverage. Akhannouch stressed the importance of ensuring network coverage throughout the entire country, particularly in mountainous regions. He instructed the ANRT to identify areas with limited or no coverage and to coordinate with relevant government departments and the private sector to provide citizens with reliable, high-quality telecommunications services. As part of this effort, the board approved a national survey to identify remote localities suffering from weak or non-existent telecommunications coverage. These areas will be progressively integrated into a targeted deployment program. Additionally, the ANRT announced an update to the National Frequency Plan to adapt to technological developments and support the country's socio-economic needs. The agency will continue implementing structural projects to extend high-speed internet access and fiber optic networks alongside the gradual introduction of 5G technology. This telecommunications expansion comes as the North African country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. These events demand strong digital infrastructure to enable global media access and enrich visitor experience, as Morocco works to close the digital gap and improve development indicators. Tags: 5G5G technology Moroccointernet in MoroccoMorocco Digital Plan 2020

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

Ya Biladi

time12-07-2025

  • Business
  • Ya Biladi

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

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].

Morocco Launches Tender to Roll Out 5G Mobile Networks
Morocco Launches Tender to Roll Out 5G Mobile Networks

Morocco World

time11-07-2025

  • Business
  • Morocco World

Morocco Launches Tender to Roll Out 5G Mobile Networks

Rabat – Morocco has launched a call for competition to grant licenses for the establishment and operation of 5G mobile networks, the country's telecoms regulator announced. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) said in a statement that the process is part of Morocco's broader Digital 2030 strategy and aligns with national policy goals for the telecom sector. The aim is to equip the country with the latest mobile communication technology to support its economic and social development, added the statement. The fifth generation of mobile networks, or 5G, offers faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to handle real-time communications. These features make it suitable for several sectors, including industry, transport, healthcare, and agriculture, ANRT noted. The agency explained that the tender document outlines all the legal, technical, and financial conditions required to build and run 5G networks in Morocco. It also sets the rules for how services must be offered to customers, the obligations related to network coverage and service quality, and the steps for how the process will be carried out and evaluated. The evaluation of the bids will result in a public report to ensure transparency, added the statement. The agency urged companies interested in applying to collect the competition file from the ANRT. Once the winners of the 5G licenses are selected, the terms and obligations will be finalized in a document known as the Cahier des Charges, which will be adopted by government decree and published in Morocco's Official Bulletin. The Digital 2030 Strategy is Morocco's national roadmap for accelerating digital transformation over the next decade. It builds on the progress made under earlier initiatives, like Maroc Digital 2020, and aims to place Morocco among leading digital nations by the year 2030.

Morocco's telecommunications regulator enforces fiber optic network sharing
Morocco's telecommunications regulator enforces fiber optic network sharing

Ya Biladi

time15-03-2025

  • Business
  • Ya Biladi

Morocco's telecommunications regulator enforces fiber optic network sharing

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) has introduced a strict regulatory framework requiring Moroccan telecom operators to share fiber optic infrastructure. This move aims to foster fair competition, accelerate the expansion of high-speed internet, and enhance service quality across the country. Under the new rules, operators are now classified into two categories: Infrastructure Operators (IO), who own and deploy fiber optic networks and must provide access to other operators under transparent, non-discriminatory conditions; and Commercial Operators (CO), who use these networks to deliver services to consumers. The regulations apply to both existing infrastructure and future deployments, with access rates required to be publicly available and monitored to prevent market distortion. This reform aligns with the Morocco Digital 2030 vision, supporting the development of 5G by expanding access to network infrastructure. The ANRT aims to increase the number of households eligible for fiber optic connections from 1.5 million in 2022 to 5.6 million by 2030. Additionally, the policy is expected to enhance competition by allowing alternative providers like Inwi and Orange to challenge Maroc Telecom's longstanding dominance in fixed infrastructure. Mandating infrastructure sharing is expected to bring several benefits: Lower fiber optic access costs through shared investments. Expanded coverage, particularly in less profitable areas where operators were previously reluctant to invest.

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