In today’s day and age, it is virtually impossible to survive without internet. This has only increased since the COVID-19 Pandemic. In March 2020, everything went virtual: work, school, entertainment, parties, gatherings, etc. At the height of many world-wide lockdowns, according to a recent article from Forbes, internet usage increased between 50% to 70%.
Needless to say, internet usage has become necessary and at times even a safety measure to protect both ourselves and others. Living in Morocco is no exception. Just like anywhere else in the world, finding the best internet service provider that meets your needs, and your budget, is key.
There are three main internet service providers in Morocco. There is Orange, Maroc Telecom and Inwi. In Tangier, you can find all three of these internet service providers in Morocco within walking distance of one another on the Boulevard – along with many other locations throughout the city. (The Boulevard is one of the main streets that runs through the city center.)
You may be thinking, “Okay, that’s great, but which one should I choose and what is the difference?”
This question depends on several factors:
- How long are you planning to stay in Morocco?
- What devices will you be using internet on?
- How many devices will be accessing the internet at one time?
- Will you be doing heavy streaming and downloading?
- What part of Tangier do you live in?
- Where will you be needing internet? At home? At work?
Answering these questions can help you decide which internet service provider you choose and between fiber optic internet and a wireless internet router.
Fiber Optic in Morocco
Yes, Morocco has fiber optic internet in its major cities – including Tangier. All three internet service providers in Morocco provide fiber optic services. However, it is costly and comparable to the US. Although Orange and Inwi offer competitive prices and options that are cheaper than Maroc Telecom, Maroc Telecom has more coverage of the city.
For example, Maroc Telecom is the only internet service provider in Tangier that provides its services in the old Medina, meaning the old part of town. This includes Merchane and some other surrounding locations. This area of the city is one of the more popular choices for foreigners to live. Foreigners are drawn to this historical part of the city that offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
But this comes at a cost and not just in rent. Maroc Telecom charges the equivalent of about 50 USD per month for fiber optic internet in Morocco. This is similar, if not more than the cost of internet in the US. One of the benefits for foreigners living in Morocco is the lower cost of living, this unfortunately, does not include internet, especially fiber optic internet in Morocco.
If you live in an area of the city where the fiber optic services of Orange or Inwi are available, this can be a slightly more affordable option. The cost for Orange fiber optic services has various options available ranging between 350 MAD to 1,000 MAD. Depending on what you need the service for, the 350 MAD option might work best for what you need.
If you use your use your computer a lot for work, fiber optic is probably the best solution for you. Be sure to check with your office building manager before you move forward. There may be some restrictions or the building may be already wired with one service provider or another.
Wireless Internet Routers
All three major internet providers in Morocco offer the option of a wireless router. Most of these internet providers offer different levels of speed, however, we’ve found that you rarely (if ever) have access to the level speed you’re paying for. There is a cost difference with each level with not much improvement when it comes to internet speed.
Fortunately, this is a much cheaper option and it works fairly well when it comes to streaming. Video chats can often be more spotty and inconsistent than streaming. Streaming on one device at a time works well with no problems, but don’t count on attempting to stream on two devices at once or have a video chat while someone else is streaming using the same Wi-Fi.
Payment options
In theory, you can pay your internet service provider in Morocco either in person or online. However, in order to make payments online, you must have a Moroccan bank account. You should be able to set up automatic payments. But again, this is also often only works in theory as we’ve experienced some difficulties doing so – at least when it comes to the Orange website.
If you do not have a Moroccan bank account or you experience difficulties paying your internet service provider online, you will have to pay in person. Fortunately, there are many locations throughout the city and you should be able to find a location that’s somewhat convenient for you.
When making a payment in person, most internet service providers in Morocco only take cash payments. When it comes to Orange, you can make a payment in person with a debit or credit card at the large location on the Boulevard.
