A Guide to Telecommunications in Morocco

Morocco has made significant strides in its telecommunications sector, with a strong focus on modernization and expansion.

The country has a population of over 36 million, with a mobile penetration rate of around 120%.

This has led to a growing demand for mobile services, with the number of mobile subscriptions exceeding 50 million.

The government has implemented various initiatives to improve the country's telecommunications infrastructure, including the development of 4G networks and the expansion of internet access to rural areas.

In Morocco, internet users have a choice between several Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including Maroc Telecom's (IAM) Menara and Orange Morocco. The country had more than 16.3 million internet users in 2012, with a high internet penetration rate.

Maroc Telecom's (IAM) Menara offers a range of ADSL and optic fiber options, including Menara ADSL 4 Mbit/s for 200 MAD (around 17 USD) and IAM optic fiber 100 Mbit/s for 500 MAD (around 44 USD). Installation is free, but the ADSL modem or router may not always be included.

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The company is also known for its ADSL, optic fiber, and 4G+ services, which are considered to be among the most technologically advanced in Africa. Orange Morocco, on the other hand, offers ADSL, optic fiber, and 4G+, but their connections are considered to be the weakest in the country.

INWI offers ADSL, optic fiber, and 4G+, with the highest bandwidth for 4G+ according to Network Performance. Mobile data plans start at 0.5 GB (500 MB) and go up to 20 GB, with prices calculated by multiplying the number of GBs by 10.

Here are some key statistics about internet usage in Morocco:

Morocco has three primary mobile operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi. These operators provide reliable services across the country.

The largest mobile operator in Morocco is Maroc Telecom, with a market share of 36.1 percent. It has a wide range of services and a consolidated revenue of USD $3.67 billion in 2024.

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Maroc Telecom has operations in several countries in West and Central Africa, with over 75 million customers and an estimated market value of $8.4 billion. The company's extensive infrastructure and reliable service make it a strong contender in the Moroccan market.

The main mobile operators in Morocco offer a range of services, including prepaid and postpaid plans, with different coverage and speed options. Here's a brief overview of each operator:

Morocco has three main mobile operators that provide reliable services across the country: Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi. These operators have a strong presence in the market, with Maroc Telecom holding the largest market share of 36.1%.

Maroc Telecom is the largest and most established provider, known for its extensive infrastructure and reliable service. It offers prepaid and postpaid plans, and has the widest network coverage, especially good for rural and remote areas. Maroc Telecom has a strong presence in several African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Togo, and the Central African Republic.

Orange Maroc is a subsidiary of the Orange Group, offering a range of services for individuals and businesses. It has extensive coverage, though not as wide as Maroc Telecom, and uses 4G and 4G+ technologies, investing in 5G.

Inwi is another key player in the market, actively competing in the mobile, fixed, and internet service segments. It has a smaller market share compared to Maroc Telecom and Orange Maroc, but still offers reliable services to its customers.

Here's a brief overview of the three main operators:

If you're planning to travel to Morocco, it's essential to choose a mobile operator that suits your needs. For remote travel, Maroc Telecom is the way to go, offering superior coverage in rural and remote areas.

Inwi is a strong contender for budget-friendly data plans, often offering the most competitive pricing for data packages. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers on a tight budget.

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If you're planning to stick to urban areas, Orange Morocco or Inwi are great options, performing exceptionally well in cities and tourist hubs. They offer reliable 4G LTE speeds and are gradually rolling out 5G in selected urban areas.

Before committing to a specific operator, it's wise to test coverage via temporary prepaid SIMs where you use the phone most. This will give you a better idea of which operator provides the best coverage in your travel destinations.

Here's a quick rundown of the strengths of each major operator in Morocco:

By considering these factors and doing prior research, you can find the mobile provider that best suits your requirements and ensures seamless connectivity around the country.

The history of telecommunications in Morocco is a fascinating story that spans over a century. The country's first postal service was established in 1891 by Sultan Hassan I.

The first Moroccan postal telephone and telegraph service was set up in 1913, marking a significant milestone in the country's communication history. A Dahir (King's decree) related to the monopoly of the state of Telegraphy and Telephony was published around the same time.

In the mid-20th century, Morocco made significant strides in telecommunications, placing its first underwater cable between Tetouan and Perpignan, France in 1967.

A fresh viewpoint: History of Telecommunication

Morocco's telecommunications journey began in 1891 with the creation of the first Moroccan postal service by Sultan Hassan I.

The first Moroccan postal service was a significant step in the country's communication history.

In 1913, the Moroccan Postal Telephone and Telegraph was established, marking the beginning of the country's telephone and telegraph services.

A Dahir, or King's decree, was published in 1913 related to the monopoly of the state of Telegraphy and Telephony.

Morocco made a major breakthrough in 1967 with the placement of the first underwater cable between Tetouan, Morocco, and Perpignan, France.

The Mediterranean was the route taken for this underwater cable.

In 1970, a transmission via Intelsat was introduced, expanding Morocco's international communication capabilities.

The Telex service was automated in 1971, making it more efficient.

A digital center was installed in Fes in 1971, further modernizing Morocco's communication infrastructure.

The Office National des Postes et Télécommunications (ONPT) was created to manage the telecommunications industry in Morocco.

ONPT introduced Analog Mobile Radiotelephony in 1987, marking a significant shift towards mobile communication.

Morocco set up the first underwater optical fiber cable in 1992, a major advancement in the country's communication technology.

A GSM service was operational in Morocco in 1994, providing citizens with a digital mobile phone service.

The Internet was introduced in Morocco by ONPT in 1995, opening up new opportunities for communication and information exchange.

Maroc Telecom (IAM) was founded in 1998, marking a new era in Morocco's telecommunications industry.

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If you're looking to learn more about the regulation and history of telecommunications in Morocco, here are some valuable resources to check out.

The National Agency of Regulation of Telecommunications (ANRT) is a great place to start, with their website available at https://www.anrt.ma/en/.

You can also find information on Maroc Telecom's calls for tender on their website, specifically at http://www.iam.ma/groupe-maroc-telecom/nous-connaitre/publications/appels-d-offres-iam.aspx.

If you're looking to become a supplier to Orange, you'll need to register on their website at https://corporate.orange.ma/fournisseur.

Similarly, if you're interested in becoming a supplier to INWI, you can register on their website at https://inwi.ma/corporate.

Morocco has three major mobile operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi, all offering reliable 4G LTE services.

You can expect excellent coverage in cities like Casablanca, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Fez, but Maroc Telecom stands out in more remote regions like the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains.

Mobile services in Morocco are surprisingly affordable, with competitive pricing for data packages.

If you're planning to explore rural areas, Maroc Telecom is a great choice, while Orange Morocco and Inwi are strong contenders in cities and tourist hotspots.

Morocco's mobile network is gradually rolling out 5G services in selected urban areas, so you may get to experience the latest technology during your trip.

If you're planning to travel to Morocco, choosing the right mobile operator is crucial for staying connected. Consider opting for Maroc Telecom for remote travel, as it offers superior coverage in rural and remote areas.

For urban use, Orange Morocco or Inwi are good options, as they perform exceptionally well in cities and tourist hubs. However, Inwi often offers the most competitive pricing for data packages, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Before committing to a carrier, check coverage maps on the operators' websites to confirm network availability in your travel destinations. This will help you choose the best operator for your specific needs.

Here's a quick comparison of the major mobile operators in Morocco:

By considering these factors and doing prior research, you can find the mobile provider that best suits your requirements and ensures seamless connectivity throughout your travels in Morocco.