Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Morocco 2018
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As operators and mobile users adopt new forms of mobile communications, the kingdom’s telecoms market is progressively moving away from the traditional voice-based business model. This is leading to new challenges in terms of regulation and market competition, but is also setting the stage for a new phase, wherein data forms a critical part of telecoms services. Despite slower growth, the industry is an important component of the economy, and not merely because of its trickle-down impact on other sectors. Morocco’s efforts to develop the ICT sector have produced noticeable results, and growing ICT and telecoms usage have allowed companies to create employment and make a larger contribution to exports. Government policy has similarly focused on increasing the role of ICT to bridge existing gaps between the state and citizens by establishing a series of e-government policies that have paved the way for business and citizens alike to interact with the state. However, improved service quality in rural areas is required for the sector to unlock further growth and expansion.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Connecting the dots: Mobile and internet penetration rates are reaching new heights
OBG
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Following over a decade of high growth rates in the wake of liberalisation efforts in the late 1990s, Morocco’s telecoms sector is currently experiencing a slower rate of expansion. As operators and mobile users adopt new forms of mobile communication, the kingdom’s market is progressively moving away from the traditional voice-based business model. This is leading to new challenges in terms of regulation and market competition, but is also setting the stage for a new phase as data becomes…

Analysis

Free and clear: Reversing the VoIP ban is a step forward for the mobile segment
OBG
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For up to a year in 2015 and 2016 Moroccans were prevented from making free voice calls using voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) apps, which have become a key communication tool across most telecoms markets. It was a contentious decision that led to vociferous objections among consumers. By November 2016 the ban was reversed and the use of VoIP apps was permitted. The reversal was welcomed by users, but not before the ban had a negative impact on the economy and cemented the image of a sector…

Overview

Opening the door: Improving usage rates among both citizens and businesses remains a priority
OBG
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With successive governments expanding the role that the ICT industry can play in economic development, Morocco’s efforts to develop the sector have produced noticeable results. Growing ICT and telecoms usage and a domestic cluster of offshoring firms have allowed the sector to create employment and make a larger contribution to exports. Government policy has also focused on increasing the role of ICT to bridge existing gaps between the state and citizens by establishing a series of e-government…