Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Algeria 2013
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With ICT expenditure reaching $4.59bn in 2012, Algeria spends considerably less than many of its neighbours, for example Morocco, which spent $13.25bn in the same year. However, the country is making efforts to help modernise and boost the sector. Internet users can expect improvements as the government has planned a major overhaul of network infrastructure. The launch of 3G should also help to further develop the sector, as well as push service providers to improve connection speeds and reliability, while parliament is working on drafting new legislation that is expected to increase competition.

This chapter contains an interview with Abdelhamid Benyoucef, Chief Executive Officer, HB Technologies.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Drafting change: The advent of 3G technology and new regulations will reshape the market
OBG
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Significant changes are set to come to Algeria’s telecoms sector following the drafting of a new information and communications technology (ICT) law that would at least partly liberalise the market and lead to increased competition. The draft law has been submitted to parliament, though has yet to be confirmed. Further changes seem likely to come with the long-delayed launch of 3G mobile broadband services that is scheduled to take place at the end of 2013. Although the fixed-line segment is…

Analysis

In the wires: Investments in infrastructure will improve and modernise the sector
OBG
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A spate of new capital investments has the potential to dramatically alter the performance of Algeria’s fixed-line segment. Fixed-line telecoms infrastructure in Algeria has traditionally been challenging to maintain, with demand regularly outpacing supply, leading to a large backlog for fixed broadband connections, as well as connection and speed issues. National telecoms provider Algeria Telecom (AT) has ambitious plans in place to invest in infrastructure upgrades, primarily in the form…

Overview

Strategic expansion: Increased internet usage and demand for services show potential
OBG
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Growth in many markets of the region, including Algeria’s immediate neighbours, points to the potential for expansions in Algeria’s IT sector. While spending remains low, the planned launch of 3G at the end of 2013 should lead to rapid growth in internet use and give the wider IT sector a boost. The country is also a regional pioneer in some niches and sector professionals say the quality of graduates is good thanks to a comparatively robust IT education system, which provides a strong potential…

Interview

OBG talks to Abdelhamid Benyoucef, Chief Executive Officer, HB Technologies
OBG
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Interview:Abdelhamid Benyoucef What are the challenges limiting small and medum-sized enterprises (SMEs) from better utilising ICT services in their everyday tasks? ABDELHAMID BENYOUCEF: Given their limited liability company status and a strong cash culture, Algerian family owned businesses have not been fully integrated in ICT development programmes, and the vast majority of SMEs do not feel concerned about adopting the use of ICT in their daily operations. Accordingly, ambitious SME upgrade…