(Ecofin Agency) - Ooredoo is accelerating its initiatives to upgrade its network infrastructure and ready it for the launch of 5G technology in its African markets, specifically Algeria and Tunisia. In March 2023, the company entered into a partnership agreement with Nokia.

The Qatari telecom group, Ooredoo, has signed a partnership deal with Huawei to advance its network core to 5.5G in select markets, including Tunisia and Algeria. This development, reported by the Qatar News Agency, will enable the telecom operator to enhance the quality of services provided to subscribers across the affected markets.

"By focusing on continuous innovation, Ooredoo commits to delivering transformative connectivity solutions that will enhance our customers' experiences and meet their evolving demands in the digital age," said Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Managing Director of Ooredoo Group.

Ooredoo's interest in 5.5G comes as the company prepares to roll out commercial 5G services in Tunisia and Algeria. In March 2023, the group inked a new partnership deal with Nokia to make its network 5G-ready in these two African markets. In Algeria, the company announced in November 2023 that it is only awaiting regulatory approval to launch high-speed broadband. In Tunisia, Ooredoo began the first technology tests as early as December 2020.

The commercial launch of 5G and 5.5G in Algeria and Tunisia is expected to strengthen Ooredoo's foothold in these markets. As of the third quarter of 2023, Ooredoo Algeria held a 25.54% market share, according to data from the Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE). Meanwhile, Ooredoo Tunisia leads its market with a 40.9% share as of the third quarter, as reported by the National Telecommunications Authority (INT).

Moreover, the commercial deployment of 5G and 5.5G in North Africa is anticipated to boost Ooredoo's revenues. The Tunisian and Algerian subsidiaries contributed respectively 1.47 billion Qatari riyals (approximately $403.7 million) and 2.46 billion QAR to the group's revenues for the fiscal year 2023. The group reported a total revenue of 23.16 billion QAR.