Telecommunications in Mauritania Developments and Future

Mauritania's telecommunications sector has made significant strides in recent years. The country's first mobile phone network was launched in 1993.

Mobile penetration has increased steadily, with over 70% of the population now owning a mobile phone. This growth has been driven by the expansion of mobile networks and the availability of affordable handsets.

The government has implemented policies to promote competition and investment in the sector. As a result, several new mobile operators have entered the market, offering a range of services to consumers.

Internet access has also become more widespread, with over 30% of the population now online. This growth is expected to continue, driven by the increasing demand for mobile data services.

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Mauritania had only one phone operator until the year 2000, the national telecom provider, which had a capacity of approximately 32,000 fixed lines serving a population of 2.5 million people.

The government initiated a telecommunications reform process in 1998 to improve the availability of telecommunications services through market liberalization and private sector participation.

In May 2000, the government awarded the first mobile telephone operating license to MATTEL through a competitive bidding process.

The project, supported by MIGA, involves the installation, operation, and maintenance of a new Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) telephone network.

MATTEL paid $28 million in upfront license fees and will pay $150,000 equivalent per year in frequency and regulatory fees to the government.

The project anticipates providing employment for 64 people who will benefit from extensive training in telecommunication operations, marketing, and sales skills.

MATTEL will also indirectly benefit local businesses through the local procurement of various goods and services.

Mauritania has 6.5 million active telecom users, according to the latest official data.

The country wants to identify these users to bolster national security amid a rapidly accelerating digital transformation.

Mobile service users have until October 6, 2023, to get their SIM registered, or their subscriptions will be suspended.

To register their SIM cards, users will need a valid ID presented at any of the operators' commercial branches.

The process will also involve recording the biometric data of the individual.

The measure aligns with the Mauritanian government's determination to enhance "the security of the country and its citizens" in a context marked by increasing mobile fraud.

Efforts to combat illicit practices in the sale and transfer of SIM cards have not yielded the expected results, according to the Autorité de Régulation Multisectorielle (ARE).

The sale of SIM cards by telecom operators will be conducted exclusively through biometric identification of the buyer, as mandated by Decision No. 0038 by the National Regulatory Council (CNR).

Mauritania has made significant strides in its telecommunications infrastructure. The last section of its 4,000km fibre backbone network has been completed.

This achievement will greatly improve internet connectivity across the country. The fibre backbone network will enable faster data transfer and better communication services.

Mauritania has also improved its international bandwidth by connecting to the EllaLink submarine cable system. This will further enhance internet speeds and reduce latency.

Regulatory bodies have been active in the sector, awarding LTE licenses to Moov Mauritel, Chinguitel, and Mattel. This will increase competition and drive innovation in the market.

Mobile network operators (MNOs) have faced fines for poor Quality of Service (QoS). This is a common issue in many countries, but it's essential to address it to provide better services to customers.

Mattel has secured satellite backhaul connectivity for remote areas, ensuring that people in these regions have access to reliable communication services.