Algerian telco rivals agree to share infrastructure

Algerian operators Algérie Télécom (AT) and Ooredoo Algeria have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to exchange ideas on innovative services and share infrastructure, a deal that could enhance network services in the North African country.

In a statement, AT said the partnership aims to frame, strengthen and achieve cooperation between the two institutions.

Under the MoU, Ooredoo and AT – through its Mobilis division – will launch partnership programs which entail the sharing of services and infrastructure.

"This strategic alliance with Ooredoo marks an essential milestone for Algérie Télécom. Our commitment to consolidating our strengths and exploiting our respective skills aims to offer innovative services in line with the needs of the Algerian market," said AT CEO Adel Bentoumi.

"This step is in line with our vision to develop and modernize the constantly evolving Algerian telecommunications market," added Ooredoo Algeria CEO Roni Tohme.

Algerian infrastructure deals

The Ooredoo and AT agreement comes on the heels of an MoU signed in December 2023 between AT and fellow state-owned network operator Djezzy.

That agreement aimed at further strengthening collaboration and offering high-quality services to its customers.

The Ooredoo Algeria and AT partnership will see programs that entail the sharing of services and infrastructure. (Source: Image by pch.vector on Freepik)

Moreover, the Ooredoo and AT MoU follows a partnership in December 2023 between Ooredoo, Zain and independent tower company TASC Towers to create what they claim will be the largest tower company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

It will be interesting to see how the AT and Ooredoo agreement will impact the country's subscribers.

Statistics from market research company Omdia, a sister company of Connecting Africa, show that Algeria has three telecommunications companies.

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Omdia reports that AT's Mobilis was the biggest operator at the end of September 2023, with 21.1 million subscribers.

Djezzy was second in the same period with almost 15.4 million subscribers, leaving Ooredoo with about 13 million subscribers.

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*Top image is of Ooredoo Algeria CEO Roni Tohme and AT CEO Adel Bentoumi. (Source: Algérie Télécom)

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa