Marrakech – Morocco officially entered the era of high-speed mobile internet on Friday. The kingdom’s three national operators – Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, and inwi – simultaneously launched their 5G networks across the country.

This deployment follows the July licensing process and the final decree examined in the October 30 Council of Government meeting, chaired by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, marking a historic date for Morocco’s telecommunications sector.

The launch comes as part of the “Morocco Digital 2030” strategy, with its timing coinciding closely with November 6, the symbolic 50th anniversary of the Green March.

The licensing process began on July 11, when the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) launched competitive bidding, with all three historical operators securing their licenses two weeks later.

Maroc Telecom obtained a 120 MHz band for MAD 900 million ($90 million), while inwi and Orange Maroc each acquired 70 MHz for MAD 600 million ($60 million), bringing the total license package to MAD 2.1 billion ($210 million) with validity extending for 20 renewable years.

For both the government and operators, 5G represents a pillar for modernizing the Moroccan economy by supporting industrial transformation, public service digitalization, and territorial attractiveness. Operators face strict coverage obligations: 45% of the population by 2026, expanding to 85% by 2030.

Beyond the licensing fees, the ANRT estimates the total deployment cost will exceed MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) by 2035.

The arrival of 5G comes at a highly symbolic time. Morocco will host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year and co-organize the 2030 World Cup. These events will demand high-quality connectivity and network reliability, making the timing of 5G’s introduction particularly timely and strategic for showcasing the country’s technological capabilities.

From the first hours of launch, many users noticed the “5G” logo appearing automatically on their phones. For most subscribers, no SIM card replacement and no plan modification were required. Access to 5G is immediate for clients with compatible smartphones in covered zones, with operators confirming that existing SIM cards already support 5G authentication and therefore do not need to be upgraded.

Expected benefits are significant. 5G offers speeds reaching 2 Gbps, ten times faster than 4G, with notably reduced latency for smooth streaming, online gaming, and videoconferencing. The connection is also more stable, even in high-density areas, providing consistent performance where 4G might struggle.

Beyond consumer use, 5G constitutes a major tool for industrial transformation. It enables advanced applications: telemedicine, smart logistics, connected factories, precision agriculture, and more. With ultra-fast speeds and increased reliability, it is a catalyst for transitioning to Industry 4.0.

Operators and public authorities see 5G as a factor for digital inclusion and competitiveness. They expect it to attract foreign investment and strengthen Morocco’s position as an African technology hub, while also providing enhanced connecti