Mobile operator Algeria Telecommunications Corporation (Algeria Telecom) has launched Idoom Fibre, the company's Fibre to the Home (FTTH) service and part of a controversial US$320m fibre optic network deal announced in October 2017.

According to local media reports, stakeholders criticised the deal saying it was not open to other bidders to submit applications, and Huawei had received an exorbitant advance fee.

They also highlighted Article 20 of the contract which stipulates that Huawei is not directly obliged to transfer the technology to Algeria Telecom or any other party.

Algeria Telecom said 1.5m homes in 725 municipalities and 48 provinces will be the first to have access to the FTTH service. Other regions will be included once the fibre optic infrastructure has been installed.

Those regions that have fibre will have to wait for the network to be ugraded.

No time frame was given for the nationwide launch.

Adel Khemane, CEO of Algeria Telecom said the service forms part of the company's FTTx Optical Fibre Internet project representing an investment of 38 billion dinars (approximately US$320m).

Kheman noted that the service provides internet speed up to 100Mbps for domestic use and 1Gbps for business use/professionals.

"This new technology offers a great ease in the use of the internet in terms of navigation and download. It also offers a better latency that allows customers to stream video, watch TV in high definition (HD) and make phone calls over the internet with all the comfort and quality of service guaranteed by this technology."

Algeria Telecom is looking to leverage its fibre network project to strengthen its position in the local telecommunications sector amid fierce competition from privately owned operators.

Other players include Optimum Telecom Algerie (Djezzy) with 38% market share and Wataniya Telecom (Nedjma, Ooredoo) with 30% market share.

Algeria Telecom is placed second with 32% market share.