Morocco, in the midst of modernizing its telecom infrastructure, faces significant challenges in its 5G deployment project. While this technology is seen as a catalyst for the telecommunications sector and a key lever in organizing the 2030 FIFA World Cup, several obstacles, both technical and regulatory, are slowing its implementation.
Ambitious Goals and Economic Stakes
The Moroccan government has set an ambitious goal of covering 25% of the national territory with 5G by 2026, with a planned extension to 70% of the population in the long run. This evolution is even more urgent as it is a requirement imposed by FIFA in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, an event that demands cutting-edge telecom infrastructure. However, the deployment has yet to make significant progress, raising questions about the feasibility and timeline of the project.
Technical Challenges: Coordination and Investment
The biggest challenge remains coordination among telecom operators. The high cost of investment required to establish 5G infrastructure pushes operators to consider equipment-sharing solutions. For instance, Qatar invested nearly $20 billion to prepare its infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup, illustrating the scale of investment needed. In Morocco, discussions have already begun with tech giants like Huawei, Nokia, and Ericsson to lay the groundwork, but execution speed remains a critical issue.
5G: A Revolution Beyond Speed
While faster connections are at the core of 5G‘s benefits, the real revolution lies in its ability to simultaneously connect a massive number of devices without saturating the network. The Internet of Things (IoT) and emerging technologies such as augmented reality, which require high bandwidth, will fully benefit from this advancement. These changes could transform strategic sectors such as healthcare, automotive, agriculture, and industry, offering Morocco an opportunity to position itself as a technological hub on the African continent.
Regulatory Obstacles and the Central Role of Maroc Telecom
The Moroccan legal framework, although robust, slows down the expansion of infrastructure necessary for 5G, particularly regarding fiber-optic sharing among operators. Public companies own underutilized networks, but legislation prevents their pooling, which hinders the deployment process.
In this context, Maroc Telecom, the leader in the Moroccan telecommunications market, plays a key role. The company continues to record solid results, capturing a significant share of the Moroccan and African markets. It has the means to overcome the challenges related to 5G through sustained investments and a network already compatible with the technology. Maroc Telecom is well-positioned to take the lead in Morocco’s and Africa’s digital ecosystem.
A Race Against Time
The success of 5G deployment in Morocco is not just a matter of technology but also of economic and geopolitical opportunities. As Morocco aspires to position itself as a major player in the digital domain, the pressure to accelerate 5G deployment is mounting, particularly in light of the 2030 World Cup deadline.
