Ooredoo is stepping up initiatives to modernize its network and prepare it for the deployment of 5G in its African markets of Algeria and Tunisia. The company signed a partnership agreement with Nokia in March 2023.
The Qatari telecoms group Ooredoo has signed a partnership agreement with Huawei to modernize its core network to 5.5G in some of its markets, including Tunisia and Algeria. Reported by the Qatar News Agency , the initiative will allow the telecoms operator to improve the quality of services provided to its subscribers in the various markets concerned.
“ With a focus on continuous innovation, Ooredoo is committed to delivering transformative connectivity solutions that will enhance our customers' experiences and meet their evolving demands in the digital age ,” said Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, general manager of the Ooredoo group.
Ooredoo's interest in 5.5G comes as the company is still in preparations to deploy commercial 5G in Tunisia and Algeria. In March 2023, the group signed a new partnership agreement with Nokia to make its network 5G-ready in its two African markets. In Algeria, the company declared in November 2023 that it is only waiting for the green light from the authorities to deploy ultra-broadband. In Tunisia, it launched the first tests of the technology in December 2020.
The commercial deployment of 5G and 5.5G in Algeria and Tunisia should allow Ooredoo to strengthen its positions in its two markets. In the third quarter of 2023, Ooredoo Algeria held a 25.54% market share, according to data from the Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE). Ooredoo Tunisia is the leader in its market with a share of 40.9% in the third quarter according to the National Telecommunications Authority (INT).
The commercial launch of 5G and 5.5G in its North African markets is also expected to help increase Ooredoo's revenues. The Tunisian and Algerian subsidiaries contributed 1.47 billion Qatari riyals ($403.7 million) and 2.46 billion QAR respectively to the group's revenues for the 2023 financial year. The group generated a figure total business of QAR 23.16 billion.