Latest news with #MarocTelecom
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Morocco grants 5G licenses to major telecom pperators
The ministry expects 5G networks to cover 45% of the population by the end of 2026, and 85% by the end of 2030. Moroccos National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) has granted licenses to the countrys three leading telecom operators, Itissalat Al-Maghrib (Maroc Telecom), Médi Telecom (Orange Morocco) and Wana Corporate (Inwi), to establish and operate 5G mobile networks. The decision was announced following the ANRT Board meeting held on July 25, 2025, during which the Head of Government approved the agencys evaluation report on the competitive tender process, according to a report by TechAfrica News. The licensing process assessed the bids based on investment commitments, planned coverage and quality-of-service standards. Maroc Telecom and Inwi each received 87 points, while Orange Morocco scored 85 points. Collectively, the three operators have pledged an estimated 80bn Moroccan dirhams in investments and operational expenses through 2035 to support the nationwide rollout and maintenance of 5G infrastructure. As part of the licensing terms, the operators must ensure that 5G coverage reaches 45% of the population by the end of 2026 and expands to 85% by 2030. These targets are central to Moroccos broader digital transformation strategy, which aims to enhance national connectivity, boost technological innovation and enable advanced digital services across various sectors. The ANRT has published the full evaluation report on its official website, signaling a commitment to transparency as Morocco accelerates its adoption of next-generation mobile technology.
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- 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.
Zawya
24-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Maroc Telecom's first-half profit edges up 0.5%, revenue drops
RABAT - Morocco's largest telecom operator, Maroc Telecom, reported a 0.5% increase in its first half profit on Thursday to 2.59 billion dirhams ($330 million), despite a drop in revenue. The company said consolidated revenue for January-June fell 1.2% from a year earlier to 18 billion dirhams. Revenue at its main Moroccan market dropped 3.4% but rose 1.2% at its African subsidiaries, known as Moov Africa. Besides Morocco, it operates subsidiaries in Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Togo. Maroc Telecom said its customer base grew 2.3% to over 80 million, as it steps up investments in mobile data, fixed internet and mobile payment services at African subsidiaries. In March, Maroc Telecom teamed up with competitor Inwi to roll out a 5G network in Morocco, with a joint investment of 4.4 billion dirhams over the next three years. Maroc Telecom, which is also listed on Euronext Paris, is 53% controlled by the United Arab Emirates' Etisalat, with the Moroccan state owning 22%.
Morocco World
26-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Maroc Telecom, Inwi Announce MAD 4.4 Billion Investment to Boost Home Fiber, 5G Deployment
Rabat – Maroc Telecom and Inwi announced joint ventures under Uni Fiber and Uni Tower to accelerate the deployment of fiber-to-the-home, also known as FTTH, and 5G networks across Morocco. The planned investment for the project is set at MAD 4.4 billion ($486 million) for the initial three-year phase. A joint statement today said the establishment of the joint ventures comes as part of an agreement between Maroc Telecom and Wana Corporate in March. Morocco's National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency authorized the joint ventures on June 18. The statement emphasized that the joint ventures seek to expand access to high-speed internet, with Uni Fiber, deploying the passive infrastructure required to provide fiber to the home services, with a target of one million connections within two years and three million within five years. As for Uni Tower, it is expected to build new towers or refurbish existing ones, with a target of 2,000 towers in three years and 6,000 towers within 10 years. The statement conveyed the two companies' pledges in offering 'open, transparent, and non-discriminatory access to their infrastructure to all duly authorized operators, in full compliance with the applicable regulations.' Both companies concluded their statements by expressing thanks to the authority and stakeholders for their support. They also reaffirmed their commitment to actively contributing to the technological and economic development of Morocco.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Maroc Telecom raises $330 million in bond issuance on local market
RABAT: Maroc Telecom , Morocco's largest telecoms operator, has raised 3 billion dirhams ($330 million) in its first private bond issuance on the domestic market, it said on Tuesday. The bond, with a two-year maturity and bullet repayment, was issued at a fixed rate of 2.37%, the company said in a statement. The money will help the company refinance a part of its debt and support its investments in 5G and fiber optic development, it said. Maroc Telecom, which is listed on the Casablanca stock exchange and on Euronext Paris, is 53% controlled by the UAE's Etisalat, while the Moroccan state holds a 22% stake. Besides Morocco, it operates subsidiaries in Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Togo.
