The network currently serves approximately 15,000 subscribers in 4 city centers, but the government has since curtailed any expansion of service due to security reasons. A dozen private firms, in competition with only one public company, are presently authorized to distribute MPT-approved cellular handsets for the network. At present, there is one internet service provider, which is state-owned. The government has, however, begun to discuss allowing private internet providers to begin business in order to keep pace with the demand for service. The majority of Algerian internet users are dispersed among institutions and business in major cities such as Algiers, Oran, and Constantine and in the petroleum industry located in the central part of Algeria.
Most subscribers use the internet as a research tool and for e-mail.
Among wealthier urban populations, internet awareness is growing, evidenced by openings of cyber-cafes and brisk business at computer trade shows. A computer in private homes, however, is still beyond the reach of the average Algerian. The banking sector has begun to embrace electronic interbank transactions. Algerian businessmen acknowledge that the internet is vital to Algeria's future participation in the global marketplace. Algerian importers and exports are reportedly anxious to contact American businesses.