Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Algeria 2015
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With a population of 39.5m, concentrated along a narrow strip of coastline, along with comparatively high rates of consumption and a push for investment in fibre backbone infrastructure, Algeria offers significant potential for telecoms operators. Since the launch of 3G mobile internet services in 2013, operators have continued to roll out 3G networks across the country, with one aiming to cover all provinces by the end of 2016. The sector is now preparing for the launch of 4G long-term evolution mobile networks, on which telecoms firms and the authorities have begun to complete some preliminary work – though the government is keen to ensure that operators are capable of making the necessary investments before doing so – as well as legislative reforms, which among other measures could open up the monopolistic fixed-line segment. The IT sector appears to be on the cusp of a new stage of growth. The launch of 3G at the end of 2013 has led to rapid growth in internet access, and the planned launch of 4G and the rollout of fibre should further boost uptake. A new submarine cable due to enter into operation in 2016 will boost national bandwidth – already one of the highest in the region – and a planned ICT law may lead to increased competition, bringing down prices in the fixed segment, while fixed 4G long-term evolution services are being made available in areas where DSL access is difficult. This chapter contains an interview with Azouaou Mehmel, CEO, Algérie Télécom.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Measure by measure: The launch of new mobile services offers significant potential for operators
OBG
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With a population of 39.5m, concentrated along a narrow strip of coastline, along with comparatively high rates of consumption and a push for investment in fibre backbone infrastructure, Algeria offers significant potential for telecoms operators. At a time when growth in the mobile segment – which accounts for the majority of voice traffic – was slowing, Algeria’s telecoms sector received a significant boost with the launch of 3G mobile internet services at the end of 2013. Since then, operators…

Analysis

A clear goal: A major roll-out of fibre optic cabling is set to bolster internet access and speeds
OBG
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The state-owned fixed-line monopoly holder Algérie Telecom (AT) is in the midst of a major roll-out of fibre optic cabling, with a view to bolstering internet access and speeds. The firm is working with the authorities on plans to bring fibre directly to new homes, allowing for much faster access as well as the provision of a range of additional services, though both this and the pace of the wider fibre roll-out face some constraints. Roll-Out Speaking at a conference in September 2015,…

Interview

Investment phase: OBG talks to Azouaou Mehmel, CEO, Algérie Télécom
OBG
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Interview:Azouaou Mehmel What are the key trends in the evolution of revenue streams and product offerings? AZOUAOU MEHMEL: Algerian users are becoming increasingly accustomed to technology and thus are becoming more and more demanding with respect to services. There is a clear role for the internet in the education and health sectors, which stand to benefit from improved connections and access to more diverse content. In this vein, Algérie Télécom launched an online library in 2014 that…

Analysis

New opportunities: Operators are offering a greater range of value-added services
OBG
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The launch of 3G services at the end of 2013 and Algérie Telecom’s ongoing efforts to roll out fibre have opened the way for telecoms and other ICT operators to offer a range of value-added services. The expansion in internet services is providing opportunities for equipment providers and local content producers, including a new generation of start-up companies, despite some ongoing regulatory issues to do with the voice over internet protocol (VoIP) market. Content Development The launch of…