Morocco is gearing up to launch its 5G internet network in the six cities selected to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, announced Hicham Lahjomri, head of the country’s telecom regulator. The rollout is part of a broader vision to connect 25% of Moroccans with 5G by 2026 and expand coverage to 70% by 2030, according to a report by Medias24.
Following the initial deployment in the World Cup host cities, Morocco plans to extend 5G services to 20 cities and the highway network, aiming for coverage in 40 cities nationwide by 2028.
The telecom authority is preparing to issue a tender for 5G bandwidth allocation, attracting significant interest from global technology firms including China’s Huawei and several Western companies. Huawei, already operating in Morocco through partnerships with Maroc Telecom and Orange Maroc, is currently better positioned than competitors such as Nokia, Ericsson, and Oracle, according to Finance News Hebdo.
Compared to existing 4G networks, 5G technology offers download speeds up to 100 times faster and latency as low as 1 millisecond, promising a transformative impact on connectivity and digital services.
Morocco boasts one of the highest internet penetration rates in Africa at 90.7%, providing a strong foundation for its 5G ambitions and positioning the country as a digital leader in the region.
