Marrakech – The Moroccan government is poised to finalize the deployment of 5G technology with the examination of a crucial decree this Thursday. After awarding licenses to the country’s three telecom operators in July, Morocco is now taking the final steps toward activating this next-generation mobile technology.
Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch will preside over the October 30 Council of Government meeting, where the decree granting 5G exploitation rights to Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc (Médi Telecom), and Inwi (Wana Corporate) will be examined.
This represents the last administrative hurdle before the official publication in the Bulletin Officiel, which will legally authorize commercial operations.
According to several sources, the official launch may coincide with November 6, the symbolic 50th anniversary of the Green March. The initial deployment will focus on eight strategic cities and their airports, including the six host cities for the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON): Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès, Agadir, and Tanger.
The licensing process began on July 11, when the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) launched its competitive bidding as part of the “Morocco Digital 2030” strategy. All three historical operators secured their licenses two weeks later.
Maroc Telecom obtained a 120 MHz band for MAD 900 million ($90 million), while Inwi and Orange Maroc each acquired 70 MHz for MAD 600 million ($60 million). The total license package reached MAD 2.1 billion ($210 million), with validity extending for 20 renewable years.
Telecom analysts suggest that Morocco has adopted a structured and predictable regulatory approach rooted in transparency and fair competition, a gradual method that sets it apart from other emerging markets by ensuring long-term investment stability.
Beyond the licensing fees, the ANRT estimates the total deployment cost will exceed MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) by 2035, covering equipment, fiber optic infrastructure, maintenance, and energy. The operators face strict coverage obligations: 45% of the population by 2026, expanding to 85% by 2030.
Read also: 5G Set to Boost Morocco’s Economy with Up to $6 Billion by 2030
Morocco’s 5G implementation will initially use non-standalone (NSA) technology, relying on existing 4G core networks, before eventually migrating to standalone (SA) architecture for full capabilities. This approach gives operators time to test equipment compliance and refine pricing strategies.
With this deployment, the North African country is looking to position itself ahead of several regional competitors. While South Africa has fully launched commercial services, other North African nations like Egypt and Tunisia remain in early stages.
The choice of the 3.5 GHz frequency band aligns with European and Asian standards, ensuring better equipment interoperability.
The ANRT stresses that 5G is not merely a digital comfort upgrade but a productivity tool targeting industrial sectors. The technology aims to serve productive needs in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.
Industrial zones view this ultra-fast connectivity as an opportunity to automate production chains, improve logistics tracking, and optimize predictive maintenance.
Technical implementation presents significant challenges. Operators must deploy massive MIMO antennas, densify radio sites, and strengthen fiber optic backhaul between base stations. The virtualized network core will dynamically manage bandwidth according to usage patterns.
Though licenses have been granted, commercial service depends on the official decree publication. Operators are technically prepared for launch before year-end, using this transitional phase to calibrate coverage requirements and finalize service quality parameters.
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