Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Algeria 2016
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Internet infrastructure and usage have developed rapidly in Algeria in recent years, helping to pave the way for the growth of IT segments. The sector, however, is about to enter a challenging period as a result of reductions to government spending. Despite the impact this is likely to have, ICT is likely to remain a strategic priority in years to come, as the government seeks to capitalise on the sector’s high potential in line with its efforts to diversify the country’s economic base. This chapter contains interviews with Mouatassem Boudiaf, Deputy Minister for Digital Economy and Financial System Modernisation; and Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of the Mediterranean Region, Ericsson.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Gathering speed: New wireless and fibre-optic infrastructure boosts internet connectivity, and a new law promises to shake up the sector
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Benefitting from a penetration rate of more than 100% in what is the second-largest consumer market in North Africa, along with high levels of geographic coverage in the densely populated coastal areas, Algeria’s telecoms sector is in the early stages of a rapid shift to high-volume data consumption. Home to three mobile telephone network operators as well as a state-owned fixed-line operator, the sector reached a milestone in late 2013 with the launch of 3G mobile internet services. This…

Analysis

No strings attached: Connection speeds receive a boost from 4G wireless broadband
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Algeria saw the launch of the country’s first 3G networks in late 2013, after similar rollouts by its neighbours Tunisia and Morocco. However, the country has quickly made up for lost time, with the introduction in October 2016 of 4G LTE networks by all three of Algeria’s mobile network operators, with all 48 of the country’s provinces expected to have coverage by 2020. Preparing To Launch In January 2016 the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Autorité de Regulation…

Overview

Wired in: Investment in technology parks and start-ups signal ICT’s ongoing importance to the economy
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Internet infrastructure and usage have developed rapidly in Algeria in recent years, helping to pave the way for the growth of IT segments, such as hosting and cloud storage. Plans to liberalise fixed-line internet access as well as develop e-commerce and payments should also help to further boost development. Both the authorities and the private sector are working on various initiatives to encourage ICT start-ups in the country. While the sector will face short-term pressures as a result…

Interview

Digital appetite: Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of the Mediterranean Region, Ericsson, on bridging the digital divide
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Interview:Nunzio Mirtillo How has demand for smart devices evolved in emerging markets over the past five years? NUNZIO MIRTILLO: According to our mobility report, there has been important growth in markets such as Africa, where smartphone subscriptions are forecast to grow by more than 200% between 2015 and 2021. There has been an increase in mobile subscriptions in all regions, but the underlying factor driving change is mobile broadband. One reason is that many consumers in developing…