Networks

Networks

Networks In Africa

Contents

 

Algeria

In November 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 95% over a population estimate of 39.9 million.[1]

The country's telcom regulator is ARPT.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1DjezzyGSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+		16.49 (Nov 2011)Global Telecom Holding (51.7%)[2]
2MobilisGSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+		12 (Oct 2013)Algerie Telecom
3NedjmaGSM900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+		8.46 (Nov 2011)Ooredoo (46.4%)

Angola

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 63.7% over a population estimate of 13.3 million.[3]

The regulator is Instituto Angolano das Comunicações (INACOM)[4]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Unitel S.A.GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		7 (nov 2011)[5]Mercury (Sonangol group) (25%), Group GENI[disambiguation needed] (25%), Vidatel (25%), Portugal Telecom (25%)[6]
2Movicel Telecomunicações, S.A.GSM (GPRS) 
UMTS 
1800 MHz LTE		2.5 (sept 2010)[6]government (Angola Telecom (18%), Correios Telegrafos de Angola (2%)), Porturil (40%), Modus Comicare (19%), Ipang (10%), Lambda (6%)

Bahrain

At the end of 2011, the penetration rate was estimated at 133% over a population estimate of 1.27 million.[7]

The regulator is the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain ([8]).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1BatelcoGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		0.738[9] (December 2011)Bahrain Telecommunications Company (100%)
2Zain BahrainGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		0.508[10] (including WiMAX subscribers, December 2011)Zain Group (56.25%)
3Viva BahrainGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		Launched March 2010[11]STC (100%)

Benin

In December 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 85%.[12] 
The regulator is Autorité Transitoire de Régulation des Postes et Télécommunications (ATRPT)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTNGSM-900/18002.485 (Dec 2011)MTN (75%)
2MoovGSM-9002.406 (Dec 2011)Etisalat
3GloGSM-900/18001.627 (Dec 2011)Globacom
4BBcomGSM-900/18000.978 (Dec 2011)Bell Benin Communications
5LibercomGSM-9000.267 (Dec 2011)Benin Telecom

Botswana

In September 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 118.8% over a population estimate of 2 million.[13] 
The regulator is Botswana Telecommunication Authority (BTA). All GSM operators provide EDGE and GPRS (as part of GSM norm).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MASCOMGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+		1.509 (Q3 2011)Mascom Wireless (Pty) Limited, MTN (53%)
2OrangeGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		0.988 (Q3 2011)Orange S.A. (69%), Mosokelatsebeng Cellular (local investors, 26%), local individuals (5%)
3Be MobileGSM-900/1800 
UMTS		0.491 (Q3 2011)BTC Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (100%)

Burkina Faso

In December 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 36% over a population estimate of 16.7 million.[14] 
The regulator is Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques (ARCE).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Telmob (Onatel)GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE), 
CDMA2000, EVDO		3.9 [15] (Dec 2012)Maroc Telecom (51%)
2AirtelGSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)4.1 (dec 12)Bharti Airtel (100%)
3Telecel FasoGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)2 (dec 12)Planor Afrique

Burundi

In 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 20% over a population estimate of 8 million.[16]

The regulator is Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Leo (ex U-Com)CDMA 
GSM-900		1.227[17] (mar 2012)Telecel Globe 100% (Orascom Telecom, Vimpelcom)
2Tempo (ex-Safaris/Africell)GSM-9000.070[18]VTEL Holdings[19]
3ONAMOBGSM-9000.140 (nov 2008)Onatel (state owned)
4Econet (ex-Spacetel)GSM-900/18000.0007 (2007)[20]Econet Wireless
5LacellGSM-1800Not Yet AvailableLacell SU (Nepal)[21]

Cameroon

In July 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 43% over a population estimate of 19.7 million.[22] 
The regulator is Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTNGSM-9004.589[23] (June 2011)MTN(70%)
2OrangeGSM-9003.939[23] (June 2011)Orange S.A.
3YooMeeWiMAXNot Yet AvailableYooMee

Cape Verde

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 87.5% over a population estimate of 0.5 million.[24]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1CV MóvelGSM0.355[25] (Sept 2009)Portugal Telecom (40%)
2T-MAISGSM0.047[26] (Q1 2010)T-Mais

Central African Republic

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 17.2% over a population estimate of 4.9 million.[27]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Telecel CentrafriqueGSM-9000.143[28] (December 2008)Orascom Telecom
2OrangeGSM-18000.189[29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A.
3NationlinkGSM-9000.158[30] (end 2008)Bintel
4MoovGSMNot Yet AvailableEtisalat

Chad

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 24.3% over a population estimate of 10.7 million.[31]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1TigoGSM-9001.257[32] (Oct 2010)MIC (100%)
2AirtelGSM-9001.199 (June 2009)Bharti Airtel (100%)
3salamGSM0.120[33] (December 2008)Salam

Comoros

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 20.8% over a population estimate of 0.8 million.[34]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Comores Telecom (Comtel)GSM-9000.056 (2007)[35]government (Societe Nationale des Telecommunications)[36]
2Comoro Gulf HoldingGSM-90% Comoro Gulf Holding, 10% government

Congo, Republic of the

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 84.8% over a population estimate of 4.2 million.[37] 
The country's telcom regulator is "Direction Générale de l'Administration Centrale des Postes et Télécommunication" (DGACPT).[38] Therefore, the "Autorité de régulation des postes et des communications électroniques" has been created in December 2009.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTN CongoGSM1.725[39] (mar 2011)MTN
2AirtelGSM-9001.391 (June 2009)Bharti Airtel (90%)
3WaridGSM-9000.327[citation needed]Warid Telecom, Essar Group (51%)
4Equateur Telecom Congo (ETC)GSM-900/1800(licenced Jan 2010)Bintel

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 14.74% over a population estimate of 71.7 million.[40]

The country's telcom regulator is Agence de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications du Congo.[41]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1AirtelGSM-900 
3G (HSPA+)		5.0[42] (Aug, 2012)Bharti Airtel (98.5%)
2VodacomGSM-900/1800 
Wimax		6.24[43] (Jun, 2012)Vodacom (51%), Congolese Wireless Network (49%)
3TigoGSM2.3[32] (Sep, 2010)MIC (100%)
4Orange RDCGSM-900 
3G+ (HSDPA)		2.3[44] (Nov, 2012)Orange S.A. (100%)
5SupercellGSM-9000.028 (covers Kivu only)[45]
6AfricellGSM 
3G		2.0 (Mar 2013)Lintel Limited[46]
7SemaTelGSMnot startedHits Telecom[47] (60%)
8U-ComCDMAnot startedGlobal Vision Telecom (Telecel International)[48]

Côte d'Ivoire

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 68.5% over a population estimate of 21.5 million.[49]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTNGSM-9006.337[50] (Mar 2012)MTN (64.7%), Planor (25.3%), Teylium group (10%)
2OrangeGSM-9003.817[29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A. (85%), Comafrique (15%)
3MoovGSM2.538[26] (Q1 2010)Etisalat (100%)
4KozGSM-900/18002.500[51] (April 2010)Comium
5GreenNGSM-900/18000.617 (Q1 2010)LAP[52]
6WaridGSMNot Yet AvailableWarid Telecom
7Mobile CafeGSMNot Yet AvailableAircomm
8YooMeeTD-LTENot Yet AvailableYooMee

Djibouti

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 14.88% over a population estimate of 0.75 million.[53]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1EvatisGSM-9000.106[54] (Q1 2010)Djibouti Telecom 100% (government)

Egypt17Egypt xxx

Egypt had 96.89 million mobile users as of July 2013, government figures showed. Egypt is the largest market in Africa of the total mobile subscriber market.[55]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1VodafoneGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS		40.9[56] (July 2013)Vodafone (54.9%), Telecom Egypt (44.70%), Free Float (0.20%)
2MobinilGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS		33.53[56] (July 2013)Orange S.A. (93.92%), Orascom Telecom (5%), Free Float (1.08%)
3EtisalatGSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS		22.4[56] (July 2013)Etisalat (76%), Egypt Post (20%), Other Investors (4%)

Equatorial Guinea

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 74% over a population estimate of 0.6 million.[57]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership 
1OrangeGSM-9000.333[29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A. (40%) 
2MUNI[58]/GSM-900/18000.150 (September 2013)GREEN COM S.A.[59] 

Eritrea

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 3.4% over a population estimate of 5.9 million.[60]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1EritelGSM-900Not Yet AvailableEritrea Telecommunications Services Corporation

Ethiopia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 4.6% over a population estimate of 90.8 million.[61]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1ETHMTNGSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA,		Not Yet AvailableEthiopian Telecommunications Corporation

Gabon

In October 2009 the penetration rate was estimated at almost 100%.[62]

The country's telcom regulator is ARTEL.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1AirtelGSM-9000.836 (June 2009)Bharti Airtel (90%)
2LibertisGSM-9000.513[63] (Dec 2009)Maroc Telecom (51%), 
Gabonese government (49%)
3MoovGSM-9000.140[64] (September 2008)Etisalat
4AzurGSM-900launched Oct 2009Bintel Saudi Binladin Group (60%)

Gambia

In 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 85.53% over a population estimate of 1.77 million.

The regulator is Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority[65]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1AfricellGSM-900/18001.05 (May 2013)Africell Gambia LTD[66]
2ComiumGSM-900/1800 (GPRS)0.25 (2012)Comium Group[67]
3GamcellGSM-9000.24 (2012)Gambia Telecommunications Cellular Company Ltd
4QcellGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		0.115 (2012)Qcell[68]

Ghana

In December 2013 the penetration rate was estimated at 110% over a population estimate of 25.4 million.[69] 
The Telecommunication regulator is National Communication Authority.[70]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTN GhanaGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		12.929 [69] (Dec 2013)MTN (97.7%)
2VodafoneGSM-900 
UMTS		6.048 [69] (Dec 2013)Vodafone (70%)
3TigoGSM-900 
UMTS		4.021 [69] (Dec 2013)MIC (100%)
4AirtelGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		3.395 [69](Dec 2013)Bharti Airtel (75%)
5GloGSM1.498 [69] (Dec 2013)Globacom (100%)
6Expresso TelecomCDMA2000 1X0.134 [69](Dec 2013)Sudatel (100%)

Guinea

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 30.86% over a population estimate of 10.6 million.[71]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership 
1AreebaGSM-900/18001.997[50] (Mar 2012)MTN (75%) 
2OrangeGSM-900/18000.684[29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A. (52.2%) 
3Sotelgui GuineaGSM-9000.16[citation needed]Telekom Malaysia 
4IntercellGSM-900Not Yet AvailableTelecel Guinee SARL 
5CellcomGSM-900/1800Not Yet AvailableCellcom 

Guinea-Bissau

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 41.87% over a population estimate of 1.6 million.[72]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTN BissauGSM-900/18000.608[50] (Mar 2012)MTN
2OrangeGSM-900/18000.300[29] (Dec 2011)Orange S.A. (52.2%)
3GuinetelGSM-9000.029 (Dec 2011)Guinetel

Iran

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 91.9% over a population estimate of 77.9 million.[73]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Hamrah-e-Avval (MCI)GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)34[74] (Q3 2010)Telecommunication Company of Iran
2MTN IrancellGSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
WiMax		28.4[74] (Q3 2010)Iran Electronic Development Company (51%) 
MTN Group (49%)
3TaliyaGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)0.8Rafsanjan Industrial Complex (TCI's BOT)
4RighTelGSM 900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+		0.6[75]Social Security Investment Company
5Mobin NetGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
WiMax		0.036Mobile Telecommunications Company of Esfahan
6Kish Free ZoneGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)0.006[citation needed]Kish Free Zone Organization
7IR70GSM-900 MHz (GPRS)6Telecommunication Company of Iran
National Operators

Iraq

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 74.2% over a population estimate of 30.4 million.[76]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1ZainGSM-90011.775[74] (Q3 2010)Zain Group (71.67%)
2Asia CellGSM-9007.741[77] (Q1 2010)Qtel (30%)
3KorekGSM-900Not Yet AvailableKorek Telecom Ltd.
3OmnneaCDMANot Yet AvailableOmnnea
4SanaTelGSM-900Not Yet AvailableSanaTel

Israel

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 131.8% over a population estimate of 7.47 million.[78]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Cellcom[79]GSM-1800 (GPRS and EDGE), 
850/2100 MHz UMTS (HSPA)		3.1[80] (September 2013)DIC (78.5%), GS (5%), BLL (5%), Migdal (4%), Fibi (2%)
2Orange[81]GSM-900/1800 (GPRS and EDGE), 
900/2100 MHz UMTS (HSDPA)		2.9[82] (September 2013)free float (45%)
3Pelephone[83]800 MHz CdmaOne 
CDMA2000 EV-DO, 
850/2100 MHz UMTS-HSDPA\HSUPA		2.7[84] (September 2013)Bezeq
4Golan Telecom[85]2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA0.39Private Investors & ILIAD group
5Hot Mobile,[86] formerly Mirs[87]800 MHz iDEN, 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA		0.32 [88] (September 2013)Altice \ Cool Holdings (HOT)
6Rami Levy Communication[89] (using Pelephone)HSPA 
UMTS		NewRami Levy Hashikma Marketing (100%)
7Cellran "FIVE" (using Pelephone & Orange)GSM 
UMTS\HSPA		CanceledYechiel Ben-Shushan
8Home Cellular[90] (using Cellcom)GSM 
UMTS\HSPA		NewHome Center (Fishman Reshatot)
9YouPhone[91] (using Orange)GSM 
UMTS\HSPA		NewAlon Cellular (Alon Holdings - Blue Square group)
Mobile Network Operators
Mobile Virtual Network Operators

Jordan

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 101.8% over a population estimate of 6.5 million.[92] 
Regulator is Telecommunications Regulatory Commission[93]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1ZainGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+		2.445[94] (June 2009)Zain Group (96.52%)
2Orange JordanGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		1.939[29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A.
3UmniahGSM-18001.430[95] (December 2008)Batelco
4XPressiDEN0.1[citation needed] ()Private shareholders

Kenya

The country has 31.1 million subscribers in total, or a 76.9% penetration rate.[96] (September 2013)

The regulator is Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK)[97]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1SafaricomGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS (HSDPA) 
WiMAX		20.8[96] (Sep 2013)Vodafone (40%), Public Float (60%)
2AirtelGSM-900 
UMTS (HSDPA)		5.5[96] (Sep 2013)Bharti Airtel (80%)
3OrangeGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		2.2[96] (Sep 2013)Telkom Kenya (Orange S.A.)
4Yu (Essar Telecom Kenya)GSM-900/18002.8[96] (Sep 2013)Essar Group 80%

Kuwait

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 164.7% over a population estimate of 2.6 million.[98]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1ZainGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		1.816[94] (June 2009)Zain Group (100%)
2WataniyaGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		1.625[77] (Q1 2010)Qtel (52.5%)
3VivaGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		1.106[99]STC (26%)

--

Lebanon

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 65.9% over a population estimate of 4.1 million.[100] 
The Lebanese telecom regulator is Telecommunications Regulatory Authority

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1TouchCDMA 
GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 
1800 MHz LTE		1.756 M[94] (June 2011)100% government - management contract: Zain Group
2AlfaCDMA 
GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 
1800 MHz LTE		1.2M[101] (Sept 2011)100% government - management contract: Orascom Telecom
3Ogero MobileGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)not yet available (can support 50000 customers till now but not active yet)Ogero Telecom (Lebanese government 100%)

Lesotho

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 45.77% over a population estimate of 1.9 million.[102]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1VodacomGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS (HSDPA, HSUPA) 
WiMax		0.966[43] (Jun 2012)Sekha-Metsi Consortium (12%), Vodacom (South Africa) (88%)
2Econet Ezi-CelGSM-900Not Yet AvailableEconet Ezi Cel Lesotho (Pty)

Liberia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 43.75% over a population estimate of 3.8 million.[103]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1LonestarGSM-9001.045[50] (Mar 2012)MTN (60%)
2AtlanticGSMNot Yet AvailableHits Telecom (30%)
3CellcomGSM-900/18000.9Cellcom Telecommunications
4ComiumGSM-900Not Yet AvailableComium Services BVI

Libya

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 169.74% over a population estimate of 6.6 million.[104]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Al Madar[105]GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)1.8[106] (February 2007)State-owned via GPTC
2Libyana[107]GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS		0.5[106] (February 2007)State-owned via GPTC

Madagascar

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 22.74% over a population estimate of 21.9 million.[108]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1OrangeGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)2.254[29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A. (40.01%)
2AirtelGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)1.400 (June 2009)Bharti Airtel (100%)
3Telma Mobile[109]CdmaOne 
GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz HSPA		0.013[110] (December 2006)Distacom Group, Telma SA
4Life[disambiguation needed]CDMA2000 1xEV-DONot Yet AvailableMadamobile

Malawi

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 19.32% over a population estimate of 15.9 million.[111] 
Regulator is Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra)[112]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1AirtelGSM-9001.600 (June 2009)Bharti Airtel (100%)
2TNMGSM-900/18002[citation needed] (July 2013) [113]Malawi Telecommunications Limited, Telekom Malaysia
3G-MobileGSM Globally Advanced Integrated Networks,[114] Beryl (South Africa)
4LacellGSM La Cell Private Limited[115]
5G-ExpressoGSM Expresso Telecom Group Limited[115]

Mali

The country had 7.6 million subscribers in total (in March 2011), or a 50% penetration rate.[116] 
The country's telcom regulator is Comite de Regulation des Telecommunications (CRT)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1OrangeGSM-900, 3G+5.0 (March 2011)Orange S.A. 52.2%
2Sotelma-MalitelGSM-9002.6[117] (March 2011)Maroc Telecom 51%, government 20%[118]
3PlanorGSMlicenced in jan 2012Planor (support of Monaco Telecom)

Mauritania

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 85.92% over a population estimate of 3.3 million.[119]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MauritelGSM-9001.335[63] (Dec 2009)Maroc Telecom (51.5%)
2ChinguitelCDMA 
UMTS		0.160[120] (May 2008)Sudatel (60%)
3MATTEL[121]GSM-900Not Yet AvailableTunisie Telecom (51%), Mauritanian Investors (49%)

Mauritius

The country has 0.78 million subscribers in total, or a 60% penetration rate.[122] (September 2007)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1OrangeGSM-900 (EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS 
1800 MHz LTE		0.628[29] (Dec 2009)Mauritius Telecom group and Orange S.A.
2EmtelGSM-900 (EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS 
1800 MHz LTE		0.437[123] (Dec 2009)MIC (50%), Currimjee
3MTMLCdmaOne, EvDo0.008[citation needed] (March 2008)Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Limited (MTML)
4MCellMauriCellTemplate:Virtual Network (Sept 2012)Mauricell(MCell)
Mobile Virtual Network Operators

Morocco

The country has 31.311 million subscribers in total, or a 113.57% penetration rate.[124] (December 2011) 
The country's telcom regulator is ANRT.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1IAMGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		17.126 (dec 2011)Vivendi (53%), state of Morocco (30%)
2MéditelGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		12.035 (dec 2011)Orange S.A. (40%), 
FinanceCom+CDG (60%)
3InwiGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		7.393 (dec 2011)Zain (31%)

Mozambique

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 27.19% over a population estimate of 22.95 million.[125] 
The telecom regulator is : Instituto Nacional de Telecomunicações de Moçambique[126]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1mCel[127]GSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		3.8[128] (end 2009)Partially state-owned
2Vodacom[129]GSM-900/18002.7[43] (Jun 2012)Vodacom (85%)
3Movitel[130]GSM Viettel (70%), SPI (30%)[131]

Namibia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 85.53% over a population estimate of 2.15 million.[132]

The country's telcom regulator is the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia created in 2009, replacing the former Namibian Communications Commission.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTCGSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+ 
1800 MHz LTE		1.855[133] (Sept 2011)Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (66%) 
Portugal Telecom (34%)
2LeoGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		0.300 (Dec. 2010)Telecom Namibia Ltd. (100%)

Niger

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 20.63% over a population estimate of 16.5 million. 
The regulator is Autorité de régulation multisectorielle (ARM).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1AirtelGSM-9001.341 (June 2009)Bharti Airtel (90%)
2SonitelGSM-9002.5 (Q1 2012)Sahel-Com, Lap Green overtaken by government[134]
3OrangeGSM-900/18000.462[29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A.
4MoovGSM-900Not Yet AvailableEtisalat

Nigeria

In September 2013 the penetration rate was estimated at 70% over a population estimate of 168.8 million.[135] 
The Telecommunication regulator is National Communication Authority.[136] 
The country's telcom regulator is NCC. 
All GSM operators in Nigeria have GPRS and EDGE implemented (part of GSM specs). MTN Nigeria was the largest mobile operator in Africa by subscriber numbers in Q2 2012.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTNGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		55.596 [135] (Sept 2013)MTN (76%)
2Glo MobileGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		24.129 [135] (Sept 2013)Globacom
3AirtelGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		22.727 [135] (Sept 2013)Bharti Airtel (65.7%)
4EtisalatGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		15.760 [135] (Sept 2013)Etisalat, Mubadala, Nigerian Investors
5VisafoneCDMA2000 1X2.800 [135] (Sept 2013)Visafone
6StarcommsCDMA2000 1X0.230 [135] (Sept 2013)Starcomms
7ZoomCDMA0.120 [135] (Sept 2013)Reliance Telecoms
8Multilinks TelkomCDMA2000 1X0.100 [135] (Sept 2013)Telkom (75%)
9MtelGSM-900/18000.059 [135] (Sept 2013)State-owned Nitel

Oman

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 142.19% over a population estimate of 3 million.[137] 
The telecom regulator is Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (OTRA)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Oman MobileGSM-900 (EDGE, GPRS) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE, 2300 MHz TD-LTE		2.124[138] (September 2010)Omantel (99%)
2NawrasGSM-900 (GPRS) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz LTE		1.938[77] (Sept 2009)Qtel (56%)
2FriendimobileGSM-900 (GPRS) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		1.938[77] (Sept 2009) 
2RennaGSM-900 (GPRS) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		1.938[77] (Sept 2009) 

Palestinian Authority, The

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 97.5% over a population estimate of 2.5 million.[139]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1JawwalGSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE )2[140] (Q1 2010)Paltel (100%)
2WataniyaGSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE )0.2[140] (Q1 2010)Wataniya Telecom (57%) 
Palestine Investment Fund(43%)

Qatar

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 322.52% over a population estimate of 0.8 million.[141]

The country's telcom regulator is ictQATAR.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1OoredooGSM-900/1800 (GPRS) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA 
800/2600 MHz LTE		2.407[77] (Q1 2010)Ooredoo
2Vodafone QatarGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		1.0[142] (Jan 2013)Vodafone (22.95%), Qatari Institutions (37.05%), Free Float (40%)

Réunion

This French oversees territory has ? million subscribers in total, or a 74.7% penetration rate.[143] (2008)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
 ?SFR[144]GSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		Not Yet AvailableSFR
 ?Orange Réunion[145]GSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		Not Yet AvailableOrange
 ?OutremerGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		Not Yet AvailableOutremer Telecom

Rwanda

In December 2013 the penetration rate was estimated at 63.5% over a population estimate of 11.4 million.[146]

The regulator is Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA).[147]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTNGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		3.56[148] (Dec 2013)MTN (55%), Tristar Investments (35%)
2TigoGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		2.18[149] (Dec 2013)MIC (87.5%)
3Bharti AirtelGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		0.96[150] (Dec 2013)Bharti (100%)
-RwandatelCdmaOne 
GSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		[151] (license revoked Apr 2011)LAP Green Networks (80%)[52]

São Tomé and Príncipe

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 57.94% over a population estimate of 0.18 million.[152]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1CST[153]GSM-9000.078[25] (Sept 2009)Portugal Telecom (51%)

Saudi Arabia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 162.6% over a population estimate of 26.1 million.[154]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1STCGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz FD-LTE, 2300 MHz TD-LTE		19.914[74] (Q3 2010)70% state owned and 30% private[citation needed]
2MobilyGSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA 
1800 MHz FD-LTE, 2600 MHz TD-LTE		15.06[74] (Q3 2010)Etisalat (25%)
3ZainGSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 
1800 MHz FD-LTE, 2600 MHz TD-LTE		6.522[155]Zain Group (57%)
4BravoiDEN0.196[77] (Sept2009)Nasco, Ooredoo (29.2%), Ali A. Tamimi Co., Mr. Sultan Najr Al Otaibi

Senegal

At the end of 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 76.8%, over a population estimate of 12 millions.[156]

The country's telcom regulator is Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP - former web site).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1OrangeGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		6.1[157] (Dec 2011)Sonatel, Orange S.A. (52.2%)
2TigoGSM-9002.4[157] (Dec 2011)MIC (100%)
3ExpressoCDMA 
GSM-900/1800 
UMTS		0.87[157] (Dec 2011)Sudatel

Seychelles

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 245% over a population estimate of 0.09 million.[158]

The country's telcom regulator is the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (MITC).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Airtel Seychelles Ltd.GSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		Not Yet AvailableBharti Airtel
2Cable and Wireless (Seychelles) LtdGSM-900Not Yet AvailableCable and Wireless

Sierra Leone

The country has 0.8 million subscribers in total, or a 13.23% penetration rate.[159] (2007)

The regulator is National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM).

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1AfricellGSM-900 
UMTS		1.8[160] (dec 2012)Lintel Limited
2ComiumGSM-900/1800 
WiMax		0.650[161] (2009)Comium
3AirtelGSM-900 
UMTS		2.325[162] (Jun 2013)Bharti Airtel
4GreenNGSMNot Yet AvailableAmbitel (LapGreen)
5SierratelCDMA government (100%)
6SierraWiFiWiFi-2.4GHz World Affinity Telecom 
 

Somalia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 25.84% over a population estimate of 9.9 million.[163]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1TelcomGSM, 3G–Haatif Telecom Somalia
1SomtelGSM-900/1800 
3G 2100 MHz		–Dahabshiil
3NationlinkGSM-900–Bintel
4Hormuud TelecomGSM-900–Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc
5NetcoGSM-900–Somali Telecom Group
6Golis Telecom SomaliaGSM-900–Golis Telecom Somalia

South Africa

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 99.6% over a population estimate of 49 million.[164] 
By the end of July 2009 it was estimated that there were some 54.0 million mobile subscribers in South Africa, giving South Africa a 13 percent market share of the estimated 415.3 million mobile subscribers in Africa.[165]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1VodacomGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+ 
1800 MHz LTE 
WiMAX		23.873[74] (Q3 2010)Vodafone (65%)
2MTNGSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+ 
1800 MHz LTE		17.772[74] (Q3 2010)MTN
3Cell CGSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+(Planned)		6.7[166] (June 2009)Oger Telecom
4TelkomGSM-1800 
850 MHz UMTS, (HSDPA, HSUPA)		 Telkom
5Hello Mobile 
(using Cell C)		GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+(Planned)		Foreign PeopleHello Mobile and Cell C
6Virgin Mobile 
(using Cell C)		GSM, GPRS, EDGE 
HSPA+(Planned)		 Virgin Group and Cell C
7Telkom Mobile 
(using MTN. Prev. known as 8ta)		GSM (GPRS, EDGE) 
UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA		Not Yet AvailableTelkom SA
8Red Bull Mobile 
(using Cell C)		  Red Bull
Mobile Virtual Network Operators

South Sudan

The country has 1 million subscribers in total, or a 8% penetration rate.[167] The regulation is managed by National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) under a MoU between Northern and Southern Sudans. 
The international dialing code for South-Sudan is 211.[168]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1ZainGSM 
UMTS		0.590 (nov 2011) [169]Zain
2MTNGSM 
UMTS		Not availableMTN
3SudaniGSM 
UMTS		Not availableSudatel
4Vivacell (NOW)GSMlaunched in 2009Fattouch Investment Group (75%), Wawat Securities (25%) [170]
5GemtelGSMNot availableLap Green Networks (80%)

Sudan

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 42.3% over a population estimate of 45 million.[171]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1ZainGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		9.648[74] (Q3 2010)Zain Group (100%)
2MTN SudanGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		4.016 [39] (31 March 2011)MTN (85%)
3SudaniCDMA 
GSM-1800 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA		Not Yet AvailableSudatel
4CanarCdmaOneNot Yet AvailableEtisalat (82%)

Swaziland

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 49.55% over a population estimate of 1.37 million.[172]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTNGSM-9000.788 [50] (Mar 2012)MTN (30%)

Syria

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 46.6% over a population estimate of 22.5 million.[173]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTN SyriaGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS		4.419 [174] (Jul 2010)MTN (75%)
2SyriatelGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA[175]		3.47 [176] (December 2007)Syriatel

Tanzania

In September 2013 the penetration rate was estimated at 58.6% over a population estimate of 47.78 million.[177] The country's telcom regulator is TCRA.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1VodacomGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		10.023 [177] (Sept 2013)Vodacom (65%)
2AirtelGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		8.772 [177] (Sept 2013)Bharti Airtel (60%)
3TigoGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS		6.217 [177] (Sept 2013)MIC (100%)
4ZANTELGSM-900/18001.798 [177] (Sept 2013)Etisalat (51%) and Zanzibar Telecom Ltd
5TTCL MobileCDMA0.211 [177] (Sept 2013) 
5Benson InformaticsCDMA0.0005 [177] (Sept 2013) 
6Sasatel[178]CDMA Dovetel
7MyCellCDMANot Yet AvailableMy Cell Company Ltd
8ExcellentcomGSMNot Yet AvailableHits Telecom
9Egotel (Lacell)UMTSNot Yet AvailableBitmap (65%), J&AK Group (35%)
10Smart Not Yet Available 
11SmileCom[179] Not Yet Available 

Togo

In December 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 42.6% over a population estimate of 6.8 million.[180] 
The regulator of Togo is Autorité de Règlementation des secteurs de Postes et de Télécommunications (ART&P)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1TogocelGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE) 
UMTS		1.625 (4Q10)Togo Telecom (state owned)
2MoovGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)0.826 (4Q10)Etisalat

Tunisia

The country has 11.2 million subscribers in total, or a 105.8% penetration rate.[181] (Sep 2010)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Tunisie TelecomGSM-900/1800 MHz GPRS (EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA		5.04 [182] (March 2008)

Tunisie Télécom Group (65%), 
 

Tecom DIG (35%) [181]

2TunisianaGSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA		5.63 [77] (Q1 2010)Ooredoo (75%)
3OrangeGSM-900/1800 MHz GPRS, EDGE 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA		0.53Orange S.A., Divona

Turkey

Turkey Republic has 69.391 million subscribers in total, or an 92.86% penetration rate. (2011)

The Regulatory Authority for telecommunication in Turkey Republic is ICTA.

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
 		Ownership
1TurkcellGSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		35.200 [183] (Feb 2012)TeliaSonera (37.09%), Cukurova Group (13.81%), Alfa Group (13.22%), MV Holding (1.18%), 34.70% in minoritaries
2VodafoneGSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		18.810 [184] (Q3 2012)Vodafone (100%)
3AveaGSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		13.500 [185] (Q3 2011)Türk Telekom (89.99%), Türkiye Is Bankasi (10.01%)
1Muhabbet Kart (using Turkcell)GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		3.500KVK, Medya Holding, Turkcell
2Fenercell (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		300Fenerbahce A.S.
3GSMobile (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		350Galatasaray A.S.
4TrabzonCell (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		100.Trabzonspor
5KartalCell (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		150.Besiktas A.S.
6TTNET Mobil (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		?Türk Telekom
7BIMCell (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		?BIM A.S.
8SamsunCell (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		?Samsunspor
9UgurCell (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		? ?
10BursaCell (using Avea)GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+		?Bursaspor
Mobile Virtual Network Operators

Uganda

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 30.78% over a population estimate of 34.6 million.[186]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1MTNCDMA 
GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE) 
UMTS, HSDPA 
2600 MHz TD-LTE 
WiMAX		8.4 [187] (Sept 2013)MTN (96%)
2AirtelGSM-900 (GPRS) 
2100 MHz		4.6 [188] (April 2013)Bharti Airtel (100%)
3WaridGSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE) 
WiMAX		2.8 [189] (April 2013)Airtel Africa
4UT MobileCdmaOne 
GSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA		2.0 [190] (July 2011)Uganda Telecom Limited
5Orange UgandaGSM-900/1800 (GPRS) 
2100 MHz UMTS 
800 MHz LTE		0.35 [29] (Dec 2009)Orange S.A. (53%)
6EssarGSM (GPRS)licenced 1 June 2009Essar Group (90%)
7Smart Telecomunknownuses Sure Telecom licence[191]Smart Telecom

United Arab Emirates

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 230.6% over a population estimate of 5.15 million.[192]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1EtisalatGSM-900 
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 
1800 MHz LTE		6.3 [193] (December 2012)UAE Federal Government (40%) and public shareholders (60%)
2duGSM-900/1800 
2100 MHz UMTS 
1800 MHz LTE		4.776 [194] (August 2011)UAE Federal Government (39.5%), Mubadala Development Company (19.75%), TECOM Investments (19.5%), and public shareholders (21.25%)

Yemen

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 38.4% over a population estimate of 24.1 million.[195]

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1Spacetel YemenGSM-9004.035 [50] (Mar 2012)MTN (85%)
2SabafonGSM-9003.65[196] (Sept 2012)Yemen Mobile Phone Company, Batelco (26.942%)
3Yemen MobileCDMA2000/1x2.180 [197]Arabic (2008–2009)Yemen Mobile
3HiTS-UNITEL (Y)GSM-9000.281 [197]Arabic (2008–2009)HiTS-UNITEL

Zambia

In December 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 62% over a population estimate of 13.9 million.[198]

The country telecoms regulator is the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority[199] (former name was Communications Authority of Zambia)

RankOperatorTechnologySubscribers 
(in millions)		Ownership
1AirtelGSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)4.2 (Dec 2011)Bharti Airtel (78.88%)
2MTNGSM-900 (GPRS)2.7 (Dec 2011)MTN
3ZAMTELGSM-900 (GPRS) 
UMTS		1.2 (Dec 2011)Zambia Telecommunications Company Ltd

Top 101 Africa Mobile Network Operators 2Q 2012 ranked by mobile subscribers Looking for a free Wi-Fi in London, United Kingdom? See Wifi In London.