Operators Invest In Nascent Internet Sector
June 2007 | Project NewsWhile fixed-line and internet markets in North Africa are relatively well developed in comparison with their sub-Saharan counterparts, countries such as Morocco and Algeria still lag behind the Middle East in terms of penetration. In Algeria for example, figures from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) put the number of internet users at 1.9mn at the end of 2005, giving a penetration rate of just 5.8%. However, state-controlled incumbent operator Algerie Telecom estimates that of this figure, just 500,000 were regular internet users. ADSL penetration is even lower, and growth in the residential segment is constrained by the very low rate of PC ownership in Algeria. The ITU estimates that in 2005, just over 1% of the population owned a personal computer.
If you would like to subscribe to Middle East & Africa Telecommunications Insight and gain instant access to this article, please click here to subscribe.
If you would like to take a trial to Middle East & Africa Telecommunications Insight please click on the trial link below.
