“Morocco's telecommunications market will be marked by an increase in competition in both fixed and mobile segments during the next five years, leaving incumbent Maroc Telecom to deal with the mounting [competition] pressure,” underlined the institution in a press release.

The report provides a comprehensive view of the Moroccan communications market by analyzing key trends, evaluating near-term opportunities, and assessing upcoming risks factors.

Morocco's telecom market total revenue is expected to increase from an estimated USD 4.1 billion in 2009 to USD 5.1 billion in 2014, registering a growth rate of a 4.9% CAGR over the next five years, notes Badii Kechiche, the author of the report.

"However the entry of Wana to the mobile market in 2008 and its competitive offers are proving disruptive to market dynamics,” Kechiche explained, adding that new commercial initiatives and promotions at the beginning of 2009 are helping Meditel boost its market share.

This situation, he stressed, has left Maroc Telecom to bear the cost of declining overall growth, which will significantly affect the company's share of revenue.

According to this expert, Maroc Telecom's share of revenue is expected to decrease by 19% over the next five years, reaching 57% by 2014, while Wana's share of revenue will witness a significant increase, with expected revenue of USD 890 million in 2014, up from an expected USD 400 million in 2009.

As to Meditel, he maintained that the introduction of new investors will boost Meditel's already strong performance on the mobile side and a continued focus on the corporate segment on the fixed side.

"Meditel's revenue will reach USD 1.1 billion by 2014, from USD 710 million in 2009”, the expert added.

To face up to this increasing competitive pressure, “Maroc Telecom focused its efforts on high ARPS and business subscribers by introducing very competition international calling rates and prepaid bundles," Kechiche concluded.

Pyramid Research is the telecom research arm of the Light Reading Communications Network. It provides advice on emerging market and service opportunities to leaders in the converged communications, media and technology industries.