Morocco Defies Global Trends: Fixed Telephony Surges as Voice Traffic Climbs 50%
While most of the world witnesses the decline of traditional landlines, Morocco is bucking the trend. A remarkable 6.75% annual growth in fixed telephony subscriptions – reaching 4.28 million by the end of March 2025 – signals a surprising resilience and evolving use case for this often-overlooked technology. This isn’t simply a case of stalled progress; voice traffic on fixed lines has exploded, increasing by a staggering 49.58% year-on-year.
The Shifting Landscape of Moroccan Telecoms
The Moroccan telecoms market remains dominated by Morocco Telecom, holding 52.70% market share as of Q1 2025, though this represents a slight erosion of its historic lead. Competitors Orange Morocco (27.08%) and Inwi (20.22%) are steadily gaining ground, fueled in part by increased portability – a record 184,916 fixed number porting operations were completed, a 24.13% jump. The implementation of the operator identity statement (RIO) in November 2024 clearly streamlined this process, reducing rejection rates and empowering consumers to choose.
Residential Dominance and the Decline of Business Lines
The growth in fixed line subscriptions is overwhelmingly driven by residential customers, accounting for 82.94% of the total. Conversely, the business and public sector segment is in steep decline, falling 36.90% in the last year to just 2,004 active lines. This dramatic drop underscores the shift towards mobile communication for professional use, driven by cost-effectiveness and convenience. Businesses are increasingly relying on mobile plans and VoIP solutions, leaving traditional fixed lines behind.
Why is Fixed Telephony Thriving in Morocco?
The resurgence of fixed telephony in Morocco isn’t about traditional phone calls alone. The significant increase in voice traffic – from 299 million minutes to 448 million minutes in the first quarter – suggests a changing pattern of usage. Several factors are likely at play. Increased affordability of fixed-line broadband packages, often bundled with voice services, is a key driver. Furthermore, improved network infrastructure and reliability are contributing to a better user experience.
Interestingly, this growth coincides with a broader trend of digital inclusion in Morocco. As more households gain access to the internet, fixed lines are becoming a crucial entry point for broadband connectivity, particularly in areas where mobile internet access is limited or unreliable. This suggests that landline phones are evolving into a foundational element of the digital infrastructure for many Moroccan households.
Portability as a Catalyst for Competition
The surge in number portability isn’t merely a technical statistic; it’s a powerful indicator of increased consumer choice and competition. The ease with which customers can now switch providers is forcing operators to improve their services and pricing. This benefits consumers and drives innovation within the market. The RIO system, as implemented by the Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications (ANRT), has been instrumental in fostering this competitive environment.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fixed Telephony in Morocco
The Moroccan experience offers a valuable counterpoint to the global narrative of fixed-line decline. While the business segment will likely continue to shrink, the residential market has demonstrated surprising vitality. We can anticipate further growth in bundled broadband and voice packages, as well as increased adoption of Value Added Services (VAS) delivered over fixed lines. The key for operators will be to adapt to evolving consumer needs and leverage fixed infrastructure to support the growing demand for high-speed internet access.
The future of fixed broadband in Morocco isn’t just about voice; it’s about providing a reliable and affordable connection to the digital world. As the country continues its digital transformation, fixed telephony is poised to play a crucial, and perhaps unexpected, role. What impact will continued investment in fiber optic infrastructure have on this trend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
