Djezzy Expands 5G Network to 18 Wilayas, Accelerating National Coverage
Image: Algerie Eco
Takeaway
Djezzy's accelerated 5G rollout presents opportunities for international investors and technology providers. Companies involved in network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IoT solutions should explore partnerships with Djezzy to capitalize on the growing demand for 5G-enabled services. Investors should monitor Djezzy's subscriber growth and ARPU (average revenue per user) as key indicators of the 5G deployment's success.
Djezzy, a leading mobile operator in Algeria, announced the activation of its 5G network in 18 wilayas (provinces) across the country on Sunday, March 1, 2026. This expansion follows the initial awarding of 5G licenses in July 2025 to Djezzy, Mobilis, and Ooredoo by the Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Communications Électroniques (ARPCE). Djezzy's move signifies an acceleration of the national 5G rollout, initially planned to cover only eight wilayas in the first year.
The operator decided to expedite the deployment, extending its 5G network to an additional ten wilayas ahead of schedule. These new wilayas include Timimoun, Mostaganem, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaïa, Annaba, Batna, Bordj Bou Arreridj, In Salah, Touggourt, and Tindouf. This expansion aims to bridge the connectivity gap between major northern cities and less populated southern regions. The initial eight wilayas covered in the first phase were Algiers, Oran, Constantine, Sétif, Skikda, Ouargla, Tlemcen, and Blida.
Algeria's nationwide 5G rollout is part of a six-year plan that began after the awarding of licenses worth a combined $492 million (DZD 63.9 billion) to Mobilis, Djezzy, and Ooredoo in July 2025. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications views 5G as a crucial step in modernizing Algeria's telecom sector and strengthening its digital economy. Initial 5G tests by Mobilis in February 2025 demonstrated speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, highlighting the technology's potential. The Algerian telecommunications market is projected to reach $2.73 billion in 2025 and $2.97 billion by 2031.
The deployment of 5G is expected to stimulate growth in sectors such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, digital health, Industry 4.0, and smart mobility. The government anticipates that the digital ecosystem's contribution to Algeria's GDP will rise from $9 billion to $13 billion by 2030. While 5G smartphones are becoming more affordable, starting around $150, accessibility remains a concern for many Algerian consumers.
Industry observers will be closely monitoring the pace of 5G adoption in Algeria and the impact on mobile data consumption. Data and internet services already account for 53.86% of the Algerian telecom MNO market revenue. Key factors to watch include the availability of affordable 5G devices, the expansion of 5G coverage beyond urban areas, and the development of new 5G-enabled applications and services. The government's six-year national plan aims for full nationwide coverage by 2031.