Morocco is reportedly preparing to roll out 5G technology nationwide by the end of the year, backed by a planned investment of MAD80 billion ($8 billion).
The first phase will bring 5G connectivity to several major cities to reach 85 percent of the country’s population by 2030, according to report.
The country has 57 million mobile subscribers and 40 million internet users, a national internet penetration rate of 90 percent, far higher than Africa’s average of 37 percent, noted Azzelarab Hassibi, director general of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency.
The government entity has also launched a national survey aimed at mapping underserved rural and remote areas. These locations will be gradually included in a deployment plan to bridge coverage gaps.
The modernisation drive comes as the country will host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year and jointly host the 2030 Fifa World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Lately, the government allocated MAD38 billion to the state-owned National Airports Authority to develop airport infrastructure to support economic growth.
