The internet, a global public network for exchanging electronic information, has profoundly transformed communication, access to knowledge, and global interaction. From its inception, this vast network has connected computers, servers, and users, enabling the seamless sharing of multimedia content. The true birth of the internet occurred in 1973 with the development of the Internet Protocol (IP), which allowed various computers to connect, irrespective of platform. By the early 1990s, the internet further evolved with the introduction of the World Wide Web (WWW), featuring HTML pages accessible via URLs and the HTTP protocol.
●Early Data Transmission Systems in Morocco
Morocco’s journey into the internet era began in the early 1990s with the introduction of the first data transmission services:
- Maghripac: Launched in 1991, Maghripac was a specialized data transmission network using packet-switching technology. It provided both direct and indirect access across the Kingdom, facilitating the decentralization of economic and administrative activities for public and private sectors.
- MARNIS (Réseau numérique à intégration de services)**: This network was the result of the digitization of the telephone system, progressively integrating functions previously handled by specialized networks. MARNIS allowed for simultaneous or separate provision of services such as telephone, fax, audio, video, and data transmission through a single multi-service socket.
●The Official Launch of the Internet in Morocco
The internet officially arrived in Morocco on November 15, 1995. The initial services included email, file transfer (FTP), remote work (TELNET), and discussion groups (USENET). The country’s first internet node was a server that provided information about its services and those of the broader internet. It offered public access to various network services, including email, FTP, Telnet, and the World Wide Web.
With the introduction of technologies like ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line), Morocco quickly embraced high-speed internet, along with services like digital television over ADSL, and later, 3G and 4G networks.
●The Introduction of the Internet in Morocco
●Morocco's Geographic Position
Located in North Africa, Morocco’s lifestyle, behavior, and development policies have been significantly influenced by Europe, especially France and Spain, due to its proximity and historical ties. This close relationship with Europe meant that Morocco was well-aware of technological advancements, including the internet.
●Three Key Factors for Internet Introduction in Morocco
1. Telecommunications Systems: The need for modern telecommunications systems that would allow Morocco to engage with the global market was a significant driving force behind the internet’s introduction.
2.Information Exchange: Efficient information exchange within the country was necessary to remain competitive with other nations.
3. Regional Disparities: Addressing the disparities between rural and urban areas in Morocco also played a crucial role.
●The Beginning of Internet Access in Morocco
●Itissalat Al-Maghrib (IAM):
The internet network in Morocco was established by Itissalat Al-Maghrib (IAM), which made all internet services available to Moroccans, including information access and international routing services.
●Al Akhawayn University:
Al Akhawayn University, Morocco’s first private university, was instrumental in introducing the internet. Located in the Middle Atlas mountains, the university selected MTDS and Xpert in October 1995 to install state-of-the-art accounting and security software for internet services. This included Checkpoint's Firewall-I, a renowned global computer security system, and XACCT, the most comprehensive accounting software available at the time. The university quickly gained a reputation as one of the best English-speaking universities in the Middle East and North Africa, attracting hundreds of international visitors each month.
●The Promotion of Internet in Morocco
In 2004, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Telecommunications declared it "The Ye
ar of the Internet" in Morocco. The goal was to generalize the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) across Moroccan society. Maroc Telecom was authorized by the ANRT (Agence nationale de réglementation des télécommunications) to lower tariffs, eliminate subscription fees, and reduce connection costs.
These measures aimed to double or even triple the number of internet users in Morocco, with expectations to reach 3 million users by the end of 2004. With a regulatory framework already in place, the future of internet access in Morocco looked promising, although it posed challenges for traditional internet cafes.
●Impact and Development in the 21st Century
As the 21st century progressed, Morocco continued to develop its internet infrastructure. The introduction of 3G and 4G networks further accelerated the spread of internet access across the country. By 2015, Morocco had launched 4G/4G+ networks nationwide and began rolling out high-speed fiber-optic connections, making it one of the most developed countries in Africa in terms of internet connectivity.
In 2020, 84.1% of the Moroccan population was using the internet, a significant increase from previous years. The widespread availability of mobile internet and the proliferation of smartphones played a major role in this rapid adoption.
Despite these advancements, internet access in Moroccan schools, particularly public ones, remains limited. The high cost of access and the low level of computerization in many schools have hindered the full integration of the internet into the education system. However, in private schools, where most middle-class families send their children, internet access is more prevalent.
●Conclusion
The evolution of the internet in Morocco has been marked by rapid growth and widespread adoption, driven by strategic decisions, technological advancements, and the country's unique geographic and cultural context. From the introduction of early data transmission networks to the widespread availability of high-speed internet, Morocco has positioned itself as a leader in ICT in Africa. The internet's impact on Moroccan society continues to grow, influencing everything from education to social interaction and even activism, as more and more Moroccans engage with this powerful tool.
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