Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Tunisia 2016
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With high bandwidth, coverage and network reliability, Tunisia’s telecoms infrastructure is well developed, particularly by regional North African standards, though competition is low in some segments, leading to high prices for international calls. However, following the launch of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in 2015 and the completion of a new undersea cable the previous year, infrastructure and competition are set for a further boost in 2016 through the planned activation of 4G networks, which may also see the arrival of a fourth mobile operator. Investors in segments such as off shoring, however, are still looking out for further moves to bolster competition, in particular in terms of international traffic, without which costs are expected to remain high. Addressing these challenges will be key to future sector growth. Bolstered by a well-educated workforce, competitive costs, proximity to Europe and strong telecoms infrastructure, Tunisia has emerged as a regional centre for IT-related businesses and export-oriented industries such as off shoring and business process outsourcing (BPO). However, it is now facing growing competition from nearby markets such as Egypt and Morocco. A vibrant start-up community is also helping the country move up the value chain, and it is home to an increasing number of local companies producing and exporting proprietary content. This chapter contains a dialogue with Didier Charvet, CEO, Orange Tunisia; and Nizar Bouguila, Chairman and CEO, Tunisie Télécom.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

On the line: Reforms and investments are improving the sector
OBG
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With high bandwidth, coverage and network reliability, Tunisia has well-developed telecoms infrastructure, particularly by regional North African standards, though competition is low in some segments, leading to high prices for international calls. However, following the launch of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in 2015 and the completion of a new undersea cable the previous year, infrastructure and competition are set for a further boost in 2016 through the planned activation of 4G networks,…

Overview

Future connections: OBG talks to Didier Charvet, CEO, Orange Tunisia, and Nizar Bouguila, Chairman and CEO, Tunisie Télécom
OBG
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Interview:Didier Charvet,Nizar Bouguila What is the development scheme for the 4G network, and how will it impact the market? DIDIER CHARVET: The 4G network is interesting for operators because it offers new opportunities to grow their platforms. For the market as a whole, it will allow more regions to have access to high-speed internet. The Tunisian market is interesting in that people are still learning the 3G network even as 4G is about to be launched. Of course, there is significant…

Analysis

Network upgrade: Major expansions and improvements are under way
OBG
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Only six years after the launch of the country’s first 3G mobile data network, 2016 is set to see the launch of 4G long-term evolution mobile data networks in Tunisia. In March 2016 the results of a tender for licences to offer the new service, with each sold at a cost of TD155m (€71.1m), were announced: Ooredoo Tunisia came in first, with an offer of TD160m (€73.4m), followed by Orange Tunisia with TD156.3m (€71.7m) and in third, Tunisie Télécom (TT), with TD155.1m (€71.1m). The launch…

Overview

Open doors: The country is well placed to take advantage of opportunities
OBG
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Bolstered by a well-educated workforce, competitive costs, proximity to Europe and broadly good telecoms infrastructure, Tunisia has emerged as a regional centre for IT-related industries and export-oriented industries such as offshoring and business process outsourcing (BPO), though it is facing growing competition from nearby markets like Egypt and Morocco. A vibrant start-up community is also helping the country move up the value chain, and it is home to an increasing number of local companies…