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Casablanca


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TV & Internet


TV

Television has been used for entertainment purposes and to spread public messages in Morocco. Many people have TVs, but there is not a TV in every household. Most channels are broadcast in Arabic and French. Channel guides are put out in the newspaper and on the radio.

Channels

The main television network in Morocco is Radiodiffusion Television Marocaine. It is state operated and functions on a national level. The network is responsible for broadcasting a wide variety of programs and shows in languages including Arabic, French, Berber, Spanish and English.

2M TV focuses on education and entertainment. There is a variety of programs including news, talk shows and dramas. Partly owned by the Moroccan government, 2M broadcasts country-wide and is available on Globecast satellite.

Cable TV

Cable TV has been largely unsuccessful in Africa. It is not cost-effective to lay cables in sparsely populated areas. It is more available in urbane areas, but :wireless cable" or microwave-based systems are more commonly used.

Satellite TV

Satellite dishes offer a wider range of channels, but is still fairly limited. There are also limited foreign language channels such as BBC News, Sky News, CNN, BBC Parliament. The best axis is along the Casablanca-Rabat axis.

Dishes should be at least 2.8 meters to receive the best channels. Top boxes sell for between €35 - €50. They can be bought at electronic stores.

Online Streaming

Streaming shows online can allow you to watch shows from your home country. However, there is a risk of viruses and it infringes on copyright. An example is Sidereel. There are many other websites like this.

Internet

There are roughly 7.5 million internet users, but many homes do not have internet connections. Most Moroccans use internet services in internet cafes and through 3G coverage via mobile phones. Speeds are acceptable to excellent in the north, but slower in rural areas. Moroccan sites are denoted by .ma. The principal switching centers are Casablanca and Rabat.

Censorship

Morocco has blocked access to many blogging and political website, especially those advocating Western Sahara's separatism ideas. Censorship has been implemented at random with sites being blocked, and then released, then blocked.

Providers

The installation is free, but the ADSL modem is not always free (only during promotions).

Internet Cafe

Internet Cafes are common within the big cities and they are open late. Look for cafes around telekiosque offices. Rates are about 4 - 10 dirhams per hour. Most internet cafes will allow you to print and burn CDs for a small charge.

WiFi

Internet "hotspots" providing access in areas throughout the Morocco. Many of the wifi hotspots are free, but located in a cafe or restaurant and it is expected that you buy something. Chain cafes are the most likely options, like Starbucks, but also look for independent shops that will usually have a sign identifying "wi-fi". Use the hotspot locater to find a wifi spot.


24/02/2012

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