- Chinguitel operates mobile and broadband services (3G/4G), alongside enterprise offerings under the brands MobiChat, Marhaba, bulk SMS, data tracking, and toll-free numbers.
- As the third entrant in Mauritania’s mobile market, it has expanded LTE coverage but faces quality-of-service pressures and competitive headwinds.
Chinguitel: Rapid network deployment
Chinguitel, launched in 2007 as Expresso Telecom’s green-field mobile operator, secured a licence in 2006 and began commercial operations in Nouakchott. It introduced 3G and expanded coverage with 4G LTE across Nouakchott and six regional centres including Nouadhibou, Atar, and Rosso.
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Chinguitel: Diverse consumer and enterprise services
The operator offers a suite of mobile services encompassing prepaid and postpaid voice, SMS, and data plans. It supports 3G/4G mobile broadband, MobiChat and Marhaba content services, bulk SMS, SMPP, and enterprise features like data/SMS tracking and toll-free numbers.
Chinguitel: Technical backbone and peering
Chinguitel operates alongside Mauritel (Moov) and Mattel, each assigned distinct mobile codes (+222 20-29 for Chinguitel). While detailed ASN info isn’t public, Chinguitel’s adoption of Tango Telecom’s real-time engagement solution points to a modernised technical architecture.
Chinguitel: Market positioning and quality challenges
As the third national operator, Chinguitel competes against market incumbents. Its 4G rollout follows its rivals’ deployments in late 2020 and early 2021, reflecting market pressure . Regulators have occasionally fined operators—including Chinguitel—for QoS shortfalls.
Chinguitel: Industry context
Mauritania’s telecom market has three licensed mobile operators. The country holds about 300,000 internet subscribers and 300,500 main telephone lines. Infrastructure improvements aim to widen broadband access beyond urban areas, enhancing digital inclusion.
