Morocco Sells 5G Licenses in Exchange for Commitments to Invest $8.8 Billion

SadaNews - Morocco has granted licenses for the exploitation of 5G networks to the three telecommunications companies operating in the country in exchange for 2.1 billion dirhams ($233 million), and the launch of the service is expected by the end of this year.

The companies "Maroc Telecom," "Medi Telecom," and "Inwi" have committed to invest 80 billion dirhams ($8.8 billion) to develop the 5G infrastructure by 2035, according to separate statements from the government and the government agency for regulatory communications issued on Friday.

The government agency stated that the license for "Maroc Telecom" was granted in exchange for 900 million dirhams at the highest frequency of approximately 120 megahertz, while two licenses were sold to "Medi Telecom", the owner of the French brand "Orange", and "Inwi", the owner of the Moroccan brand, for 600 million dirhams and a frequency of 70 megahertz each.

The companies have committed to providing 5G telecommunications services starting at the end of this year, covering 45% of the population next year, rising to 85% by the end of the decade, coinciding with the country's hosting of the 2030 World Cup in partnership with Spain and Portugal. Morocco had promised FIFA to provide this service as part of its bid.

Currently, the number of mobile phone subscribers in Morocco is approximately 57 million, while the number of internet service subscribers is estimated at around 40 million, according to figures from the government agency. The three telecommunications companies share the market almost equally.