Morocco: Morocco Communication Profile

Morocco is one of the most advanced telecommunications markets in Africa and often seen as a role model for next developments in other parts of the continent. It features a majority-privatised, highly profitable incumbent telco (Maroc Telecom, MT), three fixed and mobile network operators, inclunding the highest penetration and some of the lowest prices on the continent for broadband Internet access.

The fixed-line market has experienced a renaissance in Morocco following the launch of the country's second and third network operators and fuelled by the growing request for broadband services. Most of the new connections are wireless and increasingly converging with mobile services.

At well over 100%, Morocco has one of the highest mobile market penetration rates in Africa. With all three major carriers being fixed inclunding mobile network operators, the boundaries between fixed and mobile are beginning to disappear as technologies and services converge. Innovative new services have been introduced such as the initial commercial IPTV service on the continent. To accommodate the increasing all of voice and Internet traffic, fibre optic national backbone networks and international connectivity are being expanded. A new terabit international cable from Europe landed in the country in 2012.