Morocco - Mobile Infrastructure, Operators and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Morocco - Mobile Infrastructure, Operators and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Morocco's mobile market approached 135% penetration in early 2015, among the highest penetration rates in the region. All three mobile network operators also provide fixed-line or fixed-wireless services, and the boundaries between fixed and mobile services are disappearing as technologies and services provided by these players converge.

The mobile operators have also become the main providers of internet services through their 3G networks. The auction of spectrum for LTE use in March 2015 is expected to be followed by the commercial launch of LTE services by the end of the year. Licence conditions will ensure that LTE covers at least 65% of the population by 2020. This infrastructure, and anticipated subscriber take-up, will further consolidate the dominance in these mobile players in the broadband sector.

The principal operator, Maroc Telecom, has undergone a strategic review following its acquisition of Etisalat's mobile businesses in several markets in the region. These additional international markets are expected to account for more than half of the company's overall revenue within the next few years.

This report contains an overview and analysis of Morocco's mobile telephony sector, including updated statistics, assessments of recent regulatory measures, details on licensing regimes and spectrum auctions, and profiles of the major players.

Key developments:

Regulator awards LTE spectrum to the three MNOs at auction; Maroc Telecom launches LTE-A services; Orange secures an additional 9% stake in Meditel; Etisalat sells its West African mobile operations to Maroc Telecom for 650 million; majority stake in Maroc Telecom sold to Etisalat; new SIM card registration regulations take effect; report includes the regulator's market data to June 2015, telcos' financial and operating data to Q2 2015; recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report:

Maroc Telecom, Medi Telecom (Meditel), Inwi (Wana).