The Impact of 5G on Morocco's Telecommunications
Since the commercial launch of 5G on November 7, 2025, Morocco's telecommunications market has undergone a significant transformation, with data emerging as the new cornerstone of the industry. According to reports from the local newspaper L’Economiste, voice communication has been relegated to a secondary role as consumers increasingly prioritize data usage. An industry expert quoted in the report states, "5G will ultimately blur the lines between 'voice' and 'data,' as everything will be transmitted through ultra-fast data channels, enabling not only communication but also the connection of millions of devices (IoT) and public services." This shift reflects a broader trend among Moroccan consumers, who are now favoring data packages over traditional voice plans.
Statistics from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) corroborate this trend, revealing a marked decline in the consumption of conventional call minutes. Instead, users are turning to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram. As of March 2026, the average data usage per customer (both fixed and mobile) reached 46 gigabytes per month, which represents a 2% increase compared to the previous year. This growing reliance on data can be attributed to the rapid advancements brought by 5G technology, as well as the surge in data traffic driven by video streaming platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, alongside social media engagement.
Future Trends and Economic Implications
The implications of this data-driven revolution extend beyond mere consumption patterns; they are reshaping the financial landscapes of telecommunications operators. As revenues from traditional voice services and ADSL decline, operators are increasingly relying on income generated from data services—both mobile and fixed—through fiber optics. The massive deployment of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), with speeds reaching up to 200 megabits per second, has fostered new consumption habits that emphasize connectivity over traditional telephonic services. An expert notes, "Today in Morocco, the telephone is no longer just a device for making calls; it has become a terminal for consumption. Data is now as essential as electricity and water." This shift is anticipated to further stimulate the growth of the digital economy in the country.
As of the first quarter of 2026, the usage of data has diversified significantly, with increased consumption in call centers, data centers, e-commerce, and online services. The Moroccan telecom market now boasts 59.2 million mobile subscribers against a population of 37 million, averaging 1.6 SIM cards per individual. With a penetration rate exceeding 160%, the market has reached a stage of maturity, with some segments nearing saturation. The growth of the mobile market is now largely capped, and future opportunities lie in high-value services such as data-only plans, unlimited packages, low-cost roaming, and advanced technological solutions.
The telecommunications sector, dominated by three major operators—IAM, Orange, and Inwi—generates nearly 40 billion dirhams in revenue. When factoring in the digital economy, its contribution to the GDP stands at 5%. By the end of March 2026, the Internet penetration rate surpassed 112%, with over 41 million subscribers, while 1.5 million households were connected to fiber optics. Social media platforms alone accounted for approximately 23 million active users, representing 60% of the population. However, despite these impressive figures, a more nuanced reality emerges. While the mobile subscriber base is close to 60 million active lines, a staggering 86% of these subscribers are on prepaid plans, reflecting a market largely dominated by occasional users, with only 14% of subscribers, or around 8 million individuals, on postpaid contracts.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
