Algeria invites bids for two satellite internet licences

Algeria has invited bids for two licences to establish and operate its first satellite-linked internet networks within plans to expand coverage to remote areas.

The Algerian ministry of post and telecommunications announced the “competitive bidding” for the operation of networks via satellite that allow for the provision of high-speed internet services, particularly in areas that are difficult to connect to traditional terrestrial infrastructure.

“This step represents an important stage in strengthening Algeria’s digital infrastructure and supporting the existing infrastructure, as it aims to deliver high-speed internet services to the entire national territory, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” said post and telecommunication minister Sid Ali Zerrouki.

Gas-rich Algeria, the largest Arab country, first introduced internet services in early 1990 and now has one of the highest internet penetration ratios in the region.

Towards the end of 2025, there were about 38 million internet users in the North African country, with a ratio of nearly 80 percent of the population, the Singapore-based DataReportal platform said in a report published by Algeria’s Arabic language daily Elkhabar.

Mobile phone usage is also high, accounting for almost 117 percent of the population, the report said.

Further reading:

Starlink begins UAE service against backdrop of Iran war

Iran war GPS jamming exposes shipping and consumer risk

China’s Sokon to build 60,000-capacity car plant in Algeria