Algeria Telecom - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Key Highlights

• Algeria's ICT sector, a pillar in the nation's digital transformation, is marked by its dynamic nature and continual evolution. It's not just a technological evolution; it's a strategic shift. The sector is poised to grow owing to Algeria's push for export diversification, steering it away from its traditional reliance on oil and gas. Telecommunications and Information Technology stand out as the dominant segments within the ICT sector. In infrastructure, Algeria depends heavily on 3G and 4G LTE for mobile communications, while fixed telecommunications rely on a mix of ADSL and fiber optics. Algeria's connectivity extends to Europe through four fiber-optic submarine cables.
• Algeria's telecom infrastructure is steadily growing, aided by supportive regulations and government initiatives. Recently, the regulatory body started a bidding process to grant a universal telecom services license to ensure nationwide coverage.
• While mobile broadband predominantly relies on 3G and LTE technologies, progress on 5G has been sluggish. Recognizing the risk of lagging, the government is exploring spectrum releases. Meanwhile, the country's three major mobile network operators (MNOs) - Mobilis, Djezzy, and Ooredoo Algeria - are collaborating with vendors to roll out 5G services. Despite LTE's nationwide availability, significant investments are needed from the MNOs to enhance service quality.
• Investments in deploying submarine fiber optic cables have driven the growth of fixed broadband revenue, aiming to bolster nationwide connectivity. Algeria's extensive 200,000 km fiber optic network, including SEA-ME-WE 4, Medex, Orval, and a government-backed fourth cable, positions the nation for a seamless transition to 5G technology. Complementing this, Algeria's national transport network features seven regional NG-DWDM loops, each capable of transmitting up to 3 terabits per second (Tbps).

Algeria Telecom Market Trends

Rising Demand for 5G

• 5G growth has been sluggish in the initial days of the launch in the country, however has significantly risen in the recent times. In November 2018, Mobilis, a subsidiary of Algérie Telecom, conducted a successful super broadband test in Oran. Achieving a data transmission rate of 1.18 gigabits per second (Gbps), Mobilis, with technical assistance from its partner Huawei, showcased a promising glimpse into the realm of 5G at the Smart Algeria Forum.
• Further, Ooredoo, the Qatari telecom giant, is ramping up its network infrastructure upgrades, particularly in Algeria and Tunisia, as it gears up for the imminent 5G technology rollout. In a strategic move in March 2023, Ooredoo solidified its commitment by partnering with Nokia.
• Further advancing its technological advancements, Ooredoo has also inked a significant deal with Huawei, specifically targeting markets like Tunisia and Algeria. By bolstering its network core to 5.5G, Ooredoo is enhancing its current services and laying a robust foundation for the future launch of 5G services. Additionally, Nokia's involvement extends to modernizing Ooredoo's IP network and expanding its Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network in Tunisia. These strategic moves are poised to revolutionize Ooredoo's networks, promising users improved data speeds and enhanced capacity.
• Nokia rolled out its advanced, energy-efficient AirScale portfolio. This includes base stations that cater to a spectrum of radio technologies, spanning from 2G, 3G, and 4G to the latest 5G standard. Complementing these are massive MIMO Adaptive Antennas, designed for both urban and wide-area coverage, alongside dual-band Remote Radio Heads. Additionally, Nokia will introduce its AirScale indoor Radio small cell solution, ensuring seamless indoor coverage. These advancements are poised to elevate the mobile user experience, offering not just high bandwidth and ultra-fast speeds but also significantly reducing latency.

Data and Messaging is set to Hold Significant Share

• By the third quarter of 2022, Algeria boasted nearly 49 million active mobile network subscriptions, suggesting near-universal mobile connectivity. Algérie Télécom Mobile (ATM) emerged as the dominant player, commanding approximately 21 million subscribers, with Optimum Télécom Algérie (OTA) and Wataniya Télécom Algérie (WTA) trailing closely behind.
• According to GSMA Intelligence, Algeria boasted 50.65 million cellular mobile connections in January 2024, representing 110.2% of its population. Notably, the country saw a growth of 1.6 million connections, marking a 3.3% increase from the beginning of 2023.
• As stated by ITU, by 2023, Algeria boasted a user base of 32.47 million, with an internet penetration rate touching 72.9% in early 2024. Further, data from Ookla highlights a significant surge in Algeria's median mobile internet speed, up by 7.96 Mbps, marking a 59.4% increase over the previous year. In parallel, Ookla's findings underscore a 12.0% rise in fixed internet speeds, climbing by 1.32 Mbps.
• Meta's advertising resources further reveal that Facebook's user base in Algeria reached 24.85 million in early 2024. Additionally, Meta's data showcases a notable increase in Facebook's potential ad reach, growing by 4.1 million from January 2023 to January 2024. In early 2024, Google's advertising data revealed that YouTube boasted 22.80 million users in Algeria. According to Google's ad planning tools, YouTube's potential ad reach in Algeria grew by 100,000 users, marking a 0.4% increase from the beginning of 2023 to early 2024.
• Therefore, with the significant growth in the mobilr users with the growing awareness, young population and the digitalization across the country is set to bolster the market growth rate during the forecast period.

Algeria Telecom Industry Overview

• April 2024- Thuraya Telecommunications Company, the mobile satellite communication division of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC, has revealed an extended collaboration with Algérie Télécom Satellite, Thuraya's official partner in Algeria. Under this agreement, Algérie Télécom Satellite will oversee the distribution of Thuraya's latest SKYPHONE smartphone through Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other authorized channels across Algeria.
• January 2024- Algeria Telecom and Ooredoo Algeria have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on innovative services and share infrastructure to enhance their offerings in Algeria. In a translated statement, Algeria Telecom highlighted plans for partnership programs, emphasizing the mutual sharing of services and infrastructure.

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