Morocco: Fiber optic mandatory in all new housing developments

In Morocco, the generalization of fiber optic to the subscriber (FTTH) and the pooling of infrastructure between operators are underway. A new decree published in Official Bulletin No. 7454 dated November 6, 2025 now sets the minimum technical specifications for connecting new housing developments, housing groups, and buildings to public telecommunications networks, reports Le360. The new specifications will come into effect in six months. It determines the rules applicable to the connection of new housing developments, apartment buildings, and individual houses. Not to mention housing groups.

Through this regulatory framework, Morocco intends to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic across the entire territory, promote the sharing of infrastructure between telecom operators, and guarantee technological neutrality and the sustainability of installations, as well as support the country’s digital transition and structure the digital development of new urban areas.

The housing developments must meet the following requirements: a standardized architecture with several key elements. These are a Commercial Operator Entry Point (PEC), a shared space where operators install their equipment; Shared Fiber Access Points (PM) intended to group the fibers serving the homes; pull and connection chambers distributed throughout the development and an underground duct network sized to accommodate the optical cables. Minimum capacities are also defined: six ducts between the PEC and the PM, and three between the PM and the connection points. The text frames the civil engineering standards - depth, backfill, signage.

According to the specifications, several infrastructures are planned in the buildings. These are the service connections, connecting the Connection Point (PR) to the building; a dedicated technical room for the equipment; a vertical communication riser serving the floors and an Optical Termination Point (PTO) in each dwelling. Depending on the capacity of the building, Optical Distribution Points (PBO) can be provided on each floor, the same source said, adding that the internal wiring must include a 20% surplus capacity to anticipate future needs or extensions.

What about the requirements for individual houses? These include the service connection from the property boundary to the dwelling; the installation of a communication panel in the Technical Housing Duct (GTL); the installation of a PTO and a minimum RJ45 wiring to at least two rooms.

In addition, several mandatory specifications are provided, including types of indoor/outdoor cables (ITU-T G.657A2 and G.652D standards), the use of SC/APC 8° connectors, IP and IK protection levels to ensure waterproofing and resistance, and rules for marking and identifying fibers.

Gradually, Morocco is taking up the challenge of strengthening the connectivity of households, businesses, and administrations.