Algerian Telecoms Minister Houda Imane Faraoun has announced that the state-backed Algerie Telecom group will invest at least DZD207 billion (USD1.74 billion) during calendar year 2019 including DZD184 billion earmarked for: improving urban networks, expanding residential fibre broadband access, finalising submarine cable connectivity projects and acquiring satellite equipment.
As reported by Agence Ecofin, around DZD24 billion is budgeted for ‘non-technical investments’ including staff training. The minister noted that network deployment in remote areas was not included in the investment forecast figures but would be covered instead by universal service funding. She added that between 2014 and 2018 Algerie Telecom (including cellular division Mobilis and Algerie Telecom Satellite [ATS]) spent DZD294 billion on telecoms equipment purchases, stressing that funding comes direct from the group, not from the Treasury.