The Algerian government is to allocate the amount of USD 100 million to upgrade its information, communications and technology (ICT) sector in 2013. The budget will cover the upgrade of the fiber optics telecommunications network, introduce third generation technologies (3G), and update services provided by Algeria's post office, an official source told Zawya.
"The Algerian government is planning to roll out a fiber optics network across the Algerian capital, major cities and border provinces. The project which is expected to commence by early March, will be undertaken by the public group for landlines, mobile phone and internet services, and Algeria Telecom," said Djamel Boudah, manager of the fiber optic telecommunications project at the ministry of post, information technologies and communication - Algeria.
"The second project will be the launch of a 3G technologies tender by mid March, and it is expected that Mobilis, Djezzy, and Nedjma will take part in the tender," said Boudah.
"The third project will include transforming the Algeria post office into a postal bank before the year end, as well as installing international communications lines linking Algeria to Europe and Asia," he said.
Boudah explained that the estimated budget for these projects will exceed USD 100 million. The ministry of post, information technologies and communication has already received the amount of USD 50 million last January, and the remaining USD 50 million will be paid by the companies selected to carry-out the projects.
Younes Qarar, Algerian telecommunications expert and former director of the Algerian ministry of post, information technologies and communication, said that all the upgrade projects of telecommunications infrastructure in Algeria play a highly important role in improving internet services and bringing an end to network outages that often happen in Algeria.
"Although, these projects will improve the technological services of the country yet, the amount of USD 100 million is not sufficient, as the government should allocate more funds for the upgrade of this sector," he added.
© Zawya 2013
