Telecoms & IT

The Tunisian telecommunications market is seeing large increases in mobile phone plans over fixed-line subscriptions, as smartphones continue to offer voice-over-IP services and messaging applications that enable consumers to call and text via mobile internet. Though the sector has been liberalised for many years, Tunisie Telecom remains the dominant operator; however, competing operators Ooredoo Tunisie and Orange Tunisie have gained market share in recent years. The determining element that sets operators apart will now likely be the speed with which they roll out their 4G coverage nationwide. With the progressive deployment of 4G services, as well as the expected arrival of Virgin Mobile to the market and the growing presence of Lycamobile, it is likely that competition for users will grow even fiercer. Over the years Tunisia has become a regional hub for ICT thanks to a strong array of comparative advantages: a well-educated and competitive IT workforce, relatively low operating costs, close proximity to Europe, and a strong network of IT and telecoms infrastructure. With the country facing increasing competition from neighbouring Morocco and more anglophone-focused markets due to growing demand for English in offshoring activities, the Tunisian government is looking to implement policies designed to cement its population as a competitive and attractive IT-oriented market. However, obstacles to the sector’s growth remain. In order for Tunisia’s IT sector to unlock its full potential, the public and private sectors must work together to upgrade existing technoparks and IT infrastructure, as well as open additional digital centres to enable young entrepreneurs to create.

This chapter contains an interview with Nizar Bouguila, CEO, Tunisie Telecom.