Launched in 2009 under the guiding hand of Karim Zaz, Inwi started as Wanadoo Maroc in 1999. This telecommunications company has become a major player in Morocco. Inwi stands as a testament to Moroccan innovation.
Inwi is based right here in Casablanca. It has grown to become the third largest telecommunications company in Morocco. Only Maroc Telecom and Orange stand ahead of Inwi.
Inwi boasts over 50000 branches. Its network blankets more than 92% of Morocco. This ensures that most Moroccans stay connected.
Do you know how Inwi evolved? It has a fascinating history. Wanadoo Maroc was sold to local investors in 2004. This followed France Telecom’s departure. Attijariwafa bank and Caisse de dépôt nationale stepped in.
ONA became the main shareholder of Maroc Connect in 2005. A year later, Maroc Connect secured Morocco’s third 3G license. In 2007, Maroc Connect transformed into Wana. Then Wana secured the third GSM license in 2009. This happened under the Inwi brand. A Kuwaiti consortium, Zain/Alajial, acquired 31% of Inwi’s capital in February 2009.
Within a year of launching, Inwi had five million customers. By December 2010, it held 13.5% of the market. Inwi obtained its 4G license in March 2015. The brand excelled in coverage commitment and service quality. It also presented a solid business plan.
In 2016, the ARNT’s decision to block VoIP sparked online protests. Inwi responded by withdrawing from the Maroc Web Awards sponsorship. It also started developing an application for VoIP services.
Did you know Inwi was the first to offer VoLTE technology to its 4G subscribers in September 2016? Inwi also won the Moroccan Digital Awards. This was for its social initiative “Dir Iddik”. This platform connects volunteers with the associative world.
Inwi became the official sponsor of Moroccan football in 2020. This included both the 1st and 2nd division professional championships. The first division became known as “Botola Inwi 1”.
Let’s explore Inwi’s activities. Inwi commands a significant share of the mobile phone market. In 2016, it held 24.20% of the entire mobile phone fleet. Inwi customers can customize their phone numbers. This followed the ANRT’s opening of 07 numbers.
For home phones, Inwi offers a restricted mobility offer on the CDMA network. This is known as the Bayn brand.
Inwi provides internet access for both professionals and individuals. Broadband ADSL and fiber optics are available for professionals. 3G and 4G coverage caters to individuals. In June 2016, Inwi held 25.15% of the market share. It ranked second behind Maroc Telecom.
What about VoIP? Inwi offers VoIP service through Bladiphone. This came from a partnership between Wana and Phone Systems & Network in 2007. It facilitates communication between France and Morocco.
Inwi also offers a Double Play Offer. In partnership with WanaOne, they developed a box. This box enhances internet and telephone access for companies.
Since 2016, Inwi has proposed a professional cloud service. It is called “Business Digital Workplace”. It includes Infrastructure as a Service, Desktop as a Service, Software as a Service, and Voice as a Service.
Starting in October 2016, Inwi developed a consulting activity. This is for digital companies, especially in green tech and smart cities. They partnered with Numa Casablanca incubator. This partnership launched an incubation area called Open Lab Inwi. It also initiated training and awareness programs such as Datacity.
As we stand here, remember that Inwi is more than just a telecommunications company. It’s a story of Moroccan innovation, adaptation, and commitment to connecting people.