• Ooredoo extends 5G coverage to all 58 Algerian wilayas

• Rollout exceeds first-year license requirements set by authorities

• Operator plans more base stations as demand for 5G rises

Algerian telecom operator Ooredoo said on Monday it had extended 5G coverage to all of the country’s wilayas, exceeding in its first year the rollout requirements set under its license and moving ahead of its competitors.

Ooredoo Algérie said it is continuing to expand its 5G network nationwide in response to rising demand. The company added that it will reinforce the network and increase the number of base stations to ensure reliable coverage and a user experience that meets international standards across all regions.

“By extending 5G coverage nationwide, we reaffirm Ooredoo’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and networks to deliver services that meet international standards, support the digital economy, and help young people and businesses seize opportunities created by digital transformation,” said Roni Tohma, chief executive of Ooredoo Algérie.

Market context

The announcement follows a statement by Djezzy on March 1 that it had deployed its 5G network in 10 additional wilayas, raising its coverage to 18 nationwide.

Algerian authorities have set a phased rollout plan for 5G with milestones spread over several years. Under the schedule, three of the eight wilayas required in the first year must be covered within six months of the technology’s launch, while 10 additional wilayas are planned for the second year.

From the third to the sixth year, 10 new wilayas will be added annually. By the end of the sixth year, all 58 wilayas are expected to have 5G coverage. The target for the eighth year is 95% coverage of the national territory and 85% coverage within each wilaya.

The performance improvements offered by 5G could drive new digital applications while opening growth opportunities for telecom operators.

Ooredoo currently ranks third in the Algerian mobile market by number of subscriptions, according to data from the telecom regulator. The operator had 14.25 million customers at the end of June 2025, representing a 25.94% market share, behind Djezzy (31.64%) and Mobilis (42.42%).

Despite the announcement of 5G coverage across all wilayas, this does not mean the entire population can already access the service. The network will initially be available in selected areas before expanding more broadly.

The official rollout schedule requires 20% coverage per wilaya in the first year and 25% in the second year, while 50% coverage within each wilaya is not required until the end of the sixth year of deployment.

Isaac K. Kassouwi