Algeria has stepped up efforts to develop its telecommunications industry by allotting a budget of approximately USD 3.5 billion for the renovation of the communications infrastructure in 48 provinces, an official source told Zawya.
"The government has begun the process of renewing cables and extending the fiber optic networks to homes. The entire project is expected to last for a period of two years," said Gamal Boda, fiber optics project manager from the Algerian ministry of post, information technology and communication.
He added that out of the total budget allocation, around USD 2 billion had been set aside for telecom cable installations and the remaining USD 1.5 billion will be used to finance the construction of fiber optic networks during the 24-month period.
The project will be supervised by Algeria Telecom Group as well as local mobile operator Mobilis, with the possibility of expanding the corporate collaboration to include Djezzy - a subsidiary of Russia's VimpelCom - and Nedjma of Qatar Telecom.
Younes Qarar, an Algerian telecommunication expert, believes that the project will allow consumers to capitalize on the various communication services that will be made available such as fixed lines, high-speed Internet, fax and digital TV. In addition, the introduction of fiber optic broadband will pave the way for a much faster access to data.
"The speed of data transmission across a fiber optics network would exceed 100 MB per second. In addition to providing tens of thousands of employment opportunities, the project also promises the resolution of numerous internet-related problems and the tackling of critical application issues that are often a cause for complaints," stated Qarar.
© Zawya 2013
