Morocco to Launch 5G Network Tender, Inviting Local and Global Operators

The allocation of the first 5G licenses "which will concern both local operators (Maroc Telecom, Inwi) and global players such as Orange, Huawei, Nokia and Ericsson", has learned Barlamane. It aims to define the technical and commercial contours of the future network.

In Morocco, the deployment of 5G will go through several stages (key technical aspects). The first technical aspect: the frequencies used for 5G will mainly be in the 3.5 GHz band. This allows an optimal combination of coverage and data transmission capacity. The second technical aspect: to rely on the 700 MHz band, recently freed up by digital terrestrial television to ensure extended coverage in rural and peripheral areas.

Another technical aspect is the integration of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which will allow the multiplication of simultaneous communication channels, thus improving the capacity of the network in densely populated areas. Morocco also plans a distribution of base stations. A significant number of 5G transmission points, including antennas, which, due to their ability to manage multiple frequencies, will ensure wide coverage while optimizing infrastructure costs, will be installed.

"The first deployment stages planned for 2025 will target large agglomerations and strategic areas with a target of 25% population coverage in 2026. By 2030, the Moroccan authorities aspire to achieve 70% coverage by focusing efforts on projects related to intelligent transport, connected energy infrastructure and precision agriculture," it is detailed.

Morocco attaches importance to innovation in the field of big data management, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), technologies that will directly benefit from the low latency and ultra-fast speeds of 5G. Another particularly important technical aspect: network security. "Morocco plans to adopt advanced security protocols to protect its infrastructure against cyber attacks, through new generation encryption systems and the implementation of increased surveillance measures," it is reported.