• Algeria to boost fixed internet speeds nationwide from April 13

• ADSL upgraded to 20 Mbps; fiber speeds rise to 100 Mbps

• Plan supports fiber expansion; copper network phased out by 2027

Algeria’s government has announced a nationwide increase in internet speeds for fixed-line residential subscribers, aiming to improve service quality and support the country’s digital transformation.

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki made the announcement on Sunday, April 12, during an inspection visit to Saida province, according to Algerie Presse Service (APS). The rollout will begin on April 13, 2026.

The plan targets only subscribers of Algerie Telecom, which holds a monopoly on fixed-line internet in the country. Under the new measures, ADSL speeds will rise from 5 Mbps and 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps, while fiber optic (FTTH) connections will be upgraded from 60 Mbps to 100 Mbps.

The move comes as government agencies, businesses and individuals increasingly rely on stable, high-performance connectivity. At home, such access has become essential for activities including smart home use, streaming, gaming, e-learning and remote work.

The initiative is also part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure. The government plans to phase out the copper network entirely by the end of 2027 in favor of fiber optic, which authorities say offers better performance. Originally designed for telephone use, the copper network no longer meets current needs, with limited speeds and greater vulnerability to outages. Fiber optic enables faster, more stable data transmission, prompting authorities to accelerate its rollout nationwide.

In February 2026, Algeria exceeded 3 million homes connected to fiber, according to official figures. This marks a sharp increase from 53,000 households in 2020. However, coverage remains limited compared with the country’s 7.4 million households.

Isaac K. Kassouwi