Morocco is taking a major step towards the digital future. The national telecommunications authority (ANRT) is preparing a call for tenders to deploy 5G across the country.
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) is poised to invite tenders for the award of 5G licenses, marking a strategic step to prepare itself to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the World Cup in 2030.
The government aims to cover 25 percent of the population by 2026 and 70 percent by 2030, with priority given to host cities of international competitions.
Speaking before the House of Representatives in December, Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasised that 5G is essential to ensure seamless media distribution and a stable technological infrastructure, in accordance with FIFA requirements.
Morocco’s three main operators – Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange Maroc – already have the technical capacity to deploy 5G.
However, they are awaiting the publication of the ANRT’s terms and conditions for adapting their 4G infrastructure and launching the new generation of mobile telephony.
The financial aspect remains unknown. The cost of 5G licenses could be decisive for the profitability of investments, as operators have already paid nearly €188 million for 4G licenses.
Too high a price could slow their commitment, especially since mass adoption by consumers and businesses remains uncertain.
Once the licenses are awarded, competition between operators will intensify, with each seeking to differentiate itself through service quality, network coverage, and pricing. For users, the arrival of 5G
should result in faster connections and improved services, although affordability remains a key issue.
The coming months will be decisive for the future of Morocco’s telecommunications sector, as the country embarks on a large-scale digital transformation.
MN/ac/fss/as/APA