Infrastructure

Tunisia is one of the most modern telecommunications network in the Mediterranean Basin, using high-speed, multi-function switches for phone lines, internet, multimedia and digital culture.

A recent World Bank study classify Tunisia as the first in Africa in telephone term of density and a number of PC per capita of inhabitants and the first place in North Africa regarding the access index to ICT.

The IT sector in Tunisia is enhanced not only by general-scope incentives but also by a series of specific measures in favour of its development. Telecommunications is one of the most dynamic sectors, with one of the highest growth rates, an innovative and modern infrastructure:

• A public satellite telecommunications network, run by the traditional operator and a private operator.
• Two international gateways, underground cable links, and digital spatial links.
• An entirely digitalized telephone network providing 100% coverage throughout the country.
• Land and mobile line density = 99.9 lines /100 inhabitants at the end of 2007.
• Land line clientele: 1.3 million at the end of 2006 and 2.5 million in 2009.
• Mobile phone clientele: 8.9 million at the end of 2007.
• Internet network throughout the country, with 12 Internet Service Providers (7 public and  5 private).
• Generalized ADSL access throughout the country.
• Use of VSAT satellite communication technologies for areas that cannot tap land networks.
• Introduction starting in 2007 of a wireless WI-Max network throughout the country.
• Introduction of new voice over IP on the international network.
• Internet access using currently operational mobile networks.
• Availability of all kinds of networks: X25 commutation network, specialized lines, Frame Relay network, ADSL, ISDN, LS (12,800 subscribers at the end of 2007).

Ranking according to the Network Readiness Index “NRI”