Morocco uses regulatory power to direct private phone operator to meet GSM market needs

The government is projecting to propose fines against phone companies that do not invest 2% of their turnover to extend the GSM network to remote areas, it was officially announced here on Wednesday.

Industry, trade and telecom minister, Rachid Talbi El Alami, told legislators the fine will be paid to the Moroccan telecom regulation agency (ANRT) and earmarked for setting in place the needed equipment to extend the phone network to remote areas.

Under the Moroccan law, the two mobile phone operators (Maroc-Telecom and Meditel) have to supply the needed equipment to the regions that are not reached by the GSM network.