On the eve of the official launch of fifth-generation technology in Morocco, operators are refining their commercial offerings (technical and pricing aspects) before submitting them for approval to the ANRT (National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency). 
This is the final step before actual deployment. Nonetheless, in the meantime, the challenge for operators is to make enough 5G devices available to the market, and above all at affordable prices. High-end smartphones are generally expensive, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 Moroccan dirhams (USD 1,116 and USD 2,232).
«The issue of device availability is crucial. In recent years, Chinese manufacturers have produced 5G phones that are unrivalled in terms of competition.. There are even smartphones available for $50 each, but today, the challenge is to ensure the availability of quality devices and the network in Morocco «, explained a telecoms expert to L’Economiste.
According to this senior consultant and specialist in fifth-generation telecoms, once 5G is launched in Morocco, the issue of terminal availability with a better price-quality ratio will be fundamental. A Another prerequisite is network coverage, given that it will not be available nationwide during the first few years.
“Each of the three carriers (Maroc Telecom, Médi Telecom, and Wana Corporate) will have to cover at least eight (8) cities, as well as nearby airports”, the expert pointed out. Obviously, he added, carriers will initially target large urban areas. Cities with high population and economic density and, above all, commercial interest. As for isolated areas, small towns, and remote territories, they will gradually be included in the Universal Service program. This initial quota will cover all the matches of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, which will take place in six cities. The African Cup of Nations will therefore be the first full-scale test of 5G in Morocco. “From the start in November, the three operators will have to work hard to recruit as many customers/subscribers as possible and position themselves in the market ”, said a senior executive at the ANRT agency.
According to our sources at the market regulator, the real challenge is to “ find the right business model from the outset ”. It should be noted that the 5G business model is very specific. “ The 5G package is expensive, but the technology has the advantage of providing better latency with fast speeds ”, said the expert. Success depends on good network coverage right from the start. But not only that! The challenge is therefore to monetize the technology, customize, and adapt offerings. “Experience shows that all countries that have launched 5G have experienced a backlash. This is because inflation has had a significant impact on the telecoms sector ”, said ANRT.
Amin RBOUB