Algeria plans to introduce 5G-based home internet services by early 2027 as part of a national push to overhaul its broadband infrastructure and replace ageing copper networks with faster, more stable digital systems.
The initiative, announced during a government meeting on telecommunications modernisation, was presented by Algeria Telecom chief executive Abdelghani Aït Saïd and is expected to rely on 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) technology to deliver internet services directly to households.
Telecommunications Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki instructed officials to ensure the rollout of 5G FWA no later than early 2027, underscoring the government’s ambition to accelerate digital transformation across the North African country.
Authorities say the shift from existing 4G LTE systems to 5G FWA will significantly improve internet performance by increasing speeds, reducing latency and enhancing network stability, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Unlike earlier-generation networks, 5G FWA is designed to handle heavier data usage and rising demand from households, businesses and public institutions increasingly reliant on streaming, remote work and online services.
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Officials said the technology would help address recurring congestion issues experienced under legacy infrastructure, which was built for lower levels of internet consumption.
The planned rollout is part of a broader national broadband strategy aimed at expanding fibre-optic coverage and gradually phasing out copper-based networks by the end of 2027.
Alongside domestic infrastructure upgrades, Algeria is also seeking to strengthen its international internet connectivity through additional undersea cables, including participation in the Medusa submarine cable project expected to be completed by late 2026.
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The country currently relies on five submarine cables for global data transmission, but authorities say expanding capacity is essential to meet growing digital demand and ensure service resilience.
Officials have positioned the 5G FWA project as a key step in improving digital inclusion and supporting economic diversification efforts, particularly in sectors dependent on reliable internet access.
Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicates that while internet costs in Algeria remain below the continental average, affordability challenges persist for some users.
The cost of 5 gigabytes of fixed internet service in Algeria represented about 2.59 percent of gross national income per capita in 2025, slightly above the ITU’s recommended affordability threshold of 2 percent.
Telecom regulator figures show Algeria had 6.82 million fixed internet subscribers as of September 2025, with fibre-optic connections accounting for 37.6 percent, ahead of ADSL at 32.3 percent and fixed LTE at 30 percent.
Fibre remains the fastest-growing segment of the market, reflecting increasing demand for higher-speed connections as digital services expand across the economy.
The government says the transition to 5G FWA will complement ongoing fibre expansion, providing an alternative broadband option in areas where full fibre deployment is not yet feasible.
Officials argue that combining fibre infrastructure with next-generation wireless technologies will help Algeria bridge its digital divide and improve nationwide connectivity ahead of the 2027 target.
