فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) has confirmed that commercial 5G services will launch in November 2025, following the timeline of “within weeks” from mid-October 2025. This positions Morocco as a rising digital leader in Africa, although initial coverage will be limited to select urban areas.
Telecom operators have collectively committed about 80 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately 8 billion USD) in investments and operational costs through 2035 to develop 5G infrastructure. This investment covers spectrum licenses, network upgrades, fiber optic expansion, and rural connectivity, supported by public-private partnerships under government oversight.
The rollout plan aims for phased coverage: 25-45% population coverage by the end of 2026, mainly in major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, expanding to 70-85% by 2030, including underserved and remote regions. Over 80% of urban radio sites are already connected to fiber, laying a strong foundation for 5G’s high speeds, reduced latency, and capacity for massive IoT and AI applications.
These efforts align with the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy, which promotes economic competitiveness, smart cities, digital health, and precision agriculture, while also addressing cybersecurity and equitable access. The initiative has been guided by updates to national regulations and frequency plans, with three main licensed operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, and Inwi.
The initial 5G launch will cover eight major cities and key international airports in November 2025 to meet data demand from events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted with Spain and Portugal). Operators are prepared to activate full services, with users gradually gaining access via compatible devices. Full network performance depends on infrastructure readiness.
Challenges include maintaining network security and affordable pricing to avoid digital divides, requiring coordinated public and private sector efforts. Morocco currently leads Africa in ICT development, with 57 million mobile subscribers, 40 million internet users, and a 90% internet penetration rate, far above the continental average.
The following table summarizes expected coverage and investment milestones:
| Year/Phase | Coverage Target (% population) | Projected Investment (Billion MAD) | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Launch) | Limited to 8 cities/airports (10-15%) | 5-10 | Fiber rollout, spectrum allocation |
| 2026 | 25-45% | 15-20 | Expansion in major cities and rural pilots |
| 2030 | 70-85% | 40-50 | Nationwide coverage, IoT integration |
| 2035 | Near universal + upgrades | 20-30 | Advanced applications, potential 6G prep |
Key operator commitments and roles include:
| Operator | License Fee (Million MAD) | Main Commitments | Infrastructure Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maroc Telecom | 600 | Lead fiber expansion, urban coverage | Joint sites, rural outreach |
| Orange Maroc | 600 | Focus on cybersecurity, IoT apps | Upgrade 80%+ urban sites to fiber |
| Inwi | 600 | Rural and mountainous deployment | Energy-efficient base stations |
Morocco’s ambitious 5G rollout, backed by strong investments and strategy, is set to transform the digital landscape while highlighting the need for inclusive growth and regulatory flexibility to strengthen its competitive position in Africa.
