(Ecofin Agency) - • Maroc Telecom and Inwi have asked Morocco’s telecom regulator to approve a shared infrastructure plan
• The proposal includes launching two new entities for fiber and tower development
• The regulator has opened a public consultation, with a decision expected after May 30

Longstanding rivals in Morocco’s telecom sector, Maroc Telecom and Inwi, have submitted a joint proposal to the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) seeking approval to share telecommunications infrastructure. The initiative, if approved, could significantly reshape Morocco’s digital development landscape.

The proposal envisions the creation of two new companies: FiberCo, which would focus on building and expanding the passive optical fiber network to accelerate Fiber to the Home (FTTH) deployment nationwide, and TowerCo, which would be responsible for constructing and upgrading telecom towers to support 5G rollout and growing mobile demand.

To assess the competitive implications of the plan, the ANRT has launched a public consultation open until May 30, inviting input from industry stakeholders. The regulator will evaluate whether the proposed collaboration might distort market dynamics, especially in light of past concerns.

While Maroc Telecom and Inwi compete primarily with Orange Morocco, the proposal includes making the shared infrastructure accessible to other operators. However, details regarding the terms, conditions, and pricing of such access remain undisclosed. Maroc Telecom, in particular, has previously faced scrutiny for restricting competitors’ access to its fixed-line infrastructure.

Even if the ANRT approves the initiative, this would not guarantee its implementation. The article cites the South African case where a proposed merger between Vodacom and Maziv in the fiber optic space was blocked by the Competition Tribunal, despite regulatory clearance.

Notably, no final agreement has yet been signed between Maroc Telecom and Inwi. The proposal remains at the regulatory review stage, and its final shape will depend on market feedback and ANRT’s decision in the coming weeks.