National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (Morocco)
| Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications (French) الوكالة الوطنية لتقنين المواصلات (Arabic) | |
Main facade of the ANRT headquarters in Rabat | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 9 February 1998 |
| Jurisdiction | Morocco |
| Headquarters | Rabat, Morocco |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent agency | Ministry of Transition to Digital and Administrative Reform (Morocco) |
| Website | www |
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (French: Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications; ANRT) is the strategic public institution responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector in Morocco. Established in 1998 and attached to the Head of Government, it operates with financial and legal autonomy.
History
The ANRT was established following Law No. 24-96, which liberalized the Moroccan telecommunications market and ended the monopoly previously held by the Office National des Postes et Télécommunications (ONPT).
As of March 2025, the agency reported a record 39.9 million internet subscriptions (fixed and mobile), reflecting a 108% penetration rate in the Moroccan market.[1]
Missions and Powers
The agency ensures fair competition and manages rare national resources. Its core mandates include:
- Market Oversight: Granting licenses for independent networks and approving wholesale and retail offers.
- Technical Management: Managing the national numbering plan and the radio frequency spectrum.
- Consumer Protection: Handling customer complaints and settling disputes between operators regarding interconnection.
In October 2025, the ANRT, in coordination with the Customs Administration (ADII), fully digitized the importation process for telecommunications equipment via the PortNet platform.[2]
Market Regulation (2025–2026)
5G Rollout
A major milestone was reached in July 2025 when the ANRT officially launched the call for tenders for 5G licenses. This move is a pillar of the "Maroc Digital 2030" strategy, aiming to provide high-speed infrastructure for industrial modernization and the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup.[3]
Market Share Distribution
| Operator | Segment Leadership | Infrastructure Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Maroc Telecom | Mobile & Fixed-line | Fiber Optic & Rural Coverage |
| Orange Morocco | Mobile data | Digital Services |
| Inwi | 4G/5G Convergence | Low-latency consumer experience |
Leadership
The agency has been led by several prominent Moroccan figures since its inception:
| Director General | Term Started | Term Ended |
|---|---|---|
| Mostafa Terrab | 9 February 1998 | 2002 |
| Mohamed Benchaâboun | September 2003 | 2008 |
| Azzeddine El Mountassir Billah | 2008 | 25 October 2016 |
| Azzelarab Hassibi | 26 June 2017 | Present |
Gallery
-
Main facade of the headquarters.
-
Side view of the ANRT offices in Rabat.
See also
References
- ^ Islah, Saloua (14 June 2025). "ANRT : 39.9 million Internet subscriptions recorded by the end of March 2025". Le Matin. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
- ^ "Telecommunications: ADII and ANRT digitize the import circuit". LesEco.ma. 24 October 2025. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
- ^ "ANRT: Telecom operators obtain 5G licenses". TelQuel. July 2025. Retrieved 5 February 2026.