Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Algeria 2012
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Since the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 2000, Algeria has become one of the highest teledensity markets on the continent. With a mobile penetration rate nearing 100% and a fixed-line segment at 8% and growing, the sector is on a steady rise with numerous growth opportunities. The mobile market accounts for most of the growth, with a turnover of AD222bn (€2.13bn) in 2010. The success of the mobile telephony industry gave the sector its largest revenue share yet, growing 17% from €3.75bn in 2010 to €4.4bn in 2011. Indeed, as the total mobile penetration rate approaches 100% and demand for both fixed and mobile services continues to rise, the telecommunications sector is poised to experience significant expansion in the coming years. But despite its considerable population size, internet usage in Algeria remains low. However, growth indicators are encouraging, as subscribers grew to 1m in 2012 from 900,000 in 2010. Given the significant room for expansion, a sense of cooperation, rather than competition, prevails among industry players in the sector.

This chapter contains an interview with Nasser Marafih, CEO, Qtel.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Creating space: Expansion continues following deregulation and technology gains
OBG
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Since the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 2000, Algeria has become one of the highest teledensity markets on the African continent. With a mobile penetration rate nearing 100% and a fixed-line segment at 8% and growing, the sector is on a steady rise with numerous growth opportunities. While the fixed-line segment is controlled by a single public operator, the mobile market is dominated by three large operators, making for high levels of activity, with intensifying levels of…

Analysis

The next generation: Waiting for regulatory approval to move forward
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The telecommunications market in Algeria is set to see significant gains with the introduction of third-generation (3G) services in 2012. The launch of this much-anticipated technology is set to create a number of new opportunities for operators to expand revenue sources and satisfy growing consumer demand for high-capacity data networks. As competition between Algeria’s three mobile operators intensifies and average rates per user (ARPU) fluctuate amidst price competition, firms are increasingly…

Interview

OBG talks to Nasser Marafih, CEO, Qtel
OBG
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Interview: Nasser Marafih To what extent do you expect further consolidation between mobile operators in regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)? NASSER MARAFIH: While we expect there to be further mergers and acquisitions in the MENA region, we have seen a slowdown in the past two years and expect that to continue. In this environment, group operators are best positioned to leverage the scale of their resources to provide customers with the best services. We also see tremendous opportunity…

Overview

Opportunities come online: The sector is growing within a defined structure
OBG
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Despite its considerable population size, internet usage in Algeria remains low. With only 1m internet subscribers in a population of over 37m as of mid-2012, the sector demonstrates attractive expansion prospects. Both the government and key industry participants have demonstrated commitments towards developing the sector in line with growing demand, business expansion and rising consumer purchasing power. STEADY EXPANSION: Growth indicators are encouraging, as subscribers grew to 1m in 2012…