GSM operator in Algeria: licence specifications set fees and coverage (4 August 2026)
The GSM network licence specifications set fees, coverage obligations and a term of five (5) years. They were made in Algiers on 4 August 2026.
In short
The specifications for the licence to establish and operate a GSM network (Optimum Télécom Algérie) were made in Algiers on 4 August 2026. They set an annual fee of 10.000.000 DA per channel and a contribution of 3 % of turnover excluding tax for universal service. They enter into force on 5 August 2026 for five (5) years.
Key points
- Annual frequency assignment and control fee: 10.000.000 DA per channel.
- Universal service contribution: 3 % of the operator's turnover excluding tax.
- Coverage of 95 % of agglomerations of more than 2000 inhabitants.
- Entry into force on 5 August 2026, term of five (5) years.
- The licence holder is a joint stock company under Algerian law.
What the specifications provide
The text governs the licence to establish and operate a GSM network held by Optimum Télécom Algérie. It was made in Algiers on 4 August 2026 and enters into force on 5 August 2026.
The licence is renewed for five (5) years. A renewal request is filed with the Regulatory Authority at least twelve (12) months before the end of the validity period.
- Bandwidth of 2 x 11.6 MHz, that is 58 channels of 200 kHz.
- Bandwidth of 2 x 4 MHz in the 1800 MHz band, that is 40 channels of 200 kHz.
- Continuous service, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Fees and contributions
The licence holder pays the fees and contributions set by the specifications.
- Annual frequency assignment and control fee: 10.000.000 DA per channel.
- Annual fee for management and control of radio installations: 3.000 DA per base station.
- Universal service: 3 % of turnover excluding tax.
- Research, training and standardisation: 0.3 % of operator turnover.
- Numbering plan management: 0.2 % of operator turnover.
- Frequency fees: payment no later than 31 January of the following year.
- Other fees and contributions: payment no later than 30 June of the following year.
Coverage and penalties
The licence holder must cover 95 % of agglomerations of more than 2000 inhabitants. The obligations are considered met when at least 90 % of the population of the areas to be served is covered.
Penalties apply for a breach, unless exonerating circumstances exist. Their cumulative amount cannot exceed the equivalent in Algerian dinars of 200 million US dollars per year. They are payable in Algerian dinars.
Legal form and interconnection
The licence holder must be incorporated and remain a joint stock company under Algerian law. It prepares and publishes an interconnection catalogue each year, submitted to the Regulatory Authority for approval.
For foreign investors
Coverage penalties are payable in Algerian dinars and capped at the equivalent of 200 million US dollars per year. Indirect subcontracting is awarded to majority Algerian owned companies. Where a lack of local skills is duly justified, the licence holder may use other companies for acquisitions and subcontracting relating to active infrastructure, including the GSM core, after approval by the Regulatory Authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fee per channel in the GSM licence specifications?
The annual frequency assignment and control fee is 10.000.000 DA per channel. An annual fee of 3.000 DA per base station is added for management and control of the installations.
How long is the GSM licence?
The licence is renewed for five (5) years from 5 August 2026, the date of entry into force.
What coverage must the licence holder provide?
It must cover 95 % of agglomerations of more than 2000 inhabitants. The obligation is considered met if at least 90 % of the population of the areas to be served is covered.