Algeria Telecom's Tizi-Ouzou division has made significant strides in expanding internet connectivity in the region. In 2018, the company connected over 20,700 homes to the internet, resulting in a substantial increase in penetration to 57%. This was announced by Amar Adda, the director of Algeria Telecom's Tizi-Ouzou division, during a press conference at the agency's headquarters. The division's efforts have focused on three key areas: transport, access equipment, and distribution networks.
The transport segment has seen significant investment, with 221.18 kilometers of fiber optic cable laid in 2018. This has enabled the connection of eight new commune centers, bringing the total number of connected commune centers to 61 out of 67. The remaining six communes are in various stages of connection, with three currently underway and the rest planned for 2019. According to Adda, the goal is to achieve 100% connection of commune centers soon.
Algeria Telecom's Tizi-Ouzou division has also made progress in access equipment, with the deployment of new technologies such as FTTx. The division has been selected as a pilot site for these technologies, with 27 neighborhoods benefiting from last-generation technologies, including 15 with fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections, marketed as Idoom Fibre. This provides a capacity for 7,164 connections.
In areas with limited coverage, Algeria Telecom has deployed 15 ENOD B equipment for 4G LTE, providing a physical capacity for 10,050 connections. This brings the total number of equipment to 83, with a total capacity of 55,610 connections and coverage of 94%. The division has also undertaken significant work on distribution networks, with 145 networks upgraded or renovated, involving 27,531 pairs.
Algeria Telecom's Tizi-Ouzou division has also invested in its commercial and technical infrastructure. Three commercial agencies have been renovated, with two more underway. Two technical structures are nearing completion. The division aims to finalize the connection of all 67 commune centers to the fiber optic network and has planned a program to connect 150 sites to both wired and 4G LTE technologies in 2019.
However, the division faces challenges, including vandalism and theft of cables. In 2018, over 10 kilometers of cable were stolen in 30 incidents across the region. While a major theft ring was dismantled, the problem persists. Adda emphasized the need to secure the network and increase bandwidth to improve services.
Looking ahead, Algeria Telecom's Tizi-Ouzou division aims to further improve its network and services. Plans include increasing bandwidth from 8 to 12 wavelengths, which will enable the division to move towards 0% downtime. With ongoing investment and upgrades, the division is poised to continue expanding internet connectivity in the region.
Key points
- Algeria Telecom's Tizi-Ouzou division connected 20,700 homes to the internet in 2018, increasing penetration to 57%.
- The division aims to achieve 100% connection of commune centers to the fiber optic network soon.
- Algeria Telecom plans to connect 150 sites to both wired and 4G LTE technologies in 2019.
