Morocco Mandates Fiber Optic Network Sharing in Latest Telecommunications Update

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ANRT) has implemented a rigorous regulatory framework mandating that Moroccan telecommunications companies share their fiber-optic networks. The objective behind this initiative is to promote equitable competition, speed up the rollout of high-speed internet, and improve overall service quality throughout the nation.

According to the updated regulations, service providers are divided into two groups: Infrastructure Operators (IO), which manage and install optical fiber networks and are required to offer access to their facilities under clear, unbiased terms; and Commercial Operators (CO), which utilize these networks for delivering services directly to customers.

These rules cover current infrastructures as well as those planned for the future, ensuring that access fees must be published openly and overseen to avoid disrupting fair competition in the market.

This initiative syncs with the Morocco Digital 2030 plan, promoting the advancement of 5G through broader accessibility to network facilities. The ANRT plans to boost the count of homes qualified for fiber optics from 1.5 million in 2022 to 5.6 million by 2030.

Moreover, this policy aims to boost competition by enabling alternative service providers such as Inwi and Orange to contest Maroc Telecom’s long-held supremacy in fixed-line networks.

Requiring infrastructure sharing is anticipated to yield multiple advantages:

Reduce the expenses of fiber optic installations via collective funding.

Extended coverage, notably in lower-profit regions where companies were once hesitant to put their money into development.

Enhanced service quality, featuring more reliable and effective internet connections.