Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) - Laos
Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) (Laos) uses 2 GSM bands, 1 UMTS band, and 1 LTE band. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work with Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) (Laos). See the tables below for details.
Check device compatibilityCarrier website: http://www.laotel.com/
Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) is the leading telecommunications service provider in Laos, with a significant market share of over 40% of the mobile subscribers. Here are some key points about Lao Telecom:
Ownership and Brand Name:
- Lao Telecom is state-owned and partially privatized, with ownership by the state and foreign telecommunications companies.
- The brand name is Tropika.
Headquarters and Establishment:
- Headquartered in Vientiane.
- Established in 1979.
Subscribers and Services:
- Over 2 million mobile subscribers nationwide as of 2022.
- Provides mobile, landline, broadband, and IPTV services.
Coverage and Speeds:
- Offers extensive coverage across Laos, with 4G/LTE networks available in major cities and countryside areas.
- 5G coverage is slowly expanding, with some availability in key urban areas like Vientiane.
- Download speeds can reach up to 19.03 Mb/s, and upload speeds up to 10.19 Mb/s, providing smooth internet and app usage.
Call and SMS Rates:
- Competitive call and SMS rates for both domestic and international communication.
- Rates vary depending on the specific plan or package chosen, but generally, domestic calls and SMS cost around 1500 LAK (approximately $0.07 USD) per minute or message.
Alternative Options for Tourists:
- While Lao Telecom provides reliable connectivity in major cities, its coverage is more limited in rural areas.
- Unitel Laos is often recommended as an alternative for tourists due to its extensive coverage and competitive pricing.
eSIM Options:
- All major mobile carriers in Laos, including Lao Telecom, offer eSIM options for tourists.
- Laos eSIM provides digital eSIM plans connecting to the Unitel network, offering a range of plans and competitive pricing.
Overall, Lao Telecom offers reliable and affordable connectivity across Laos, making it a good choice for basic connectivity needs. However, for tourists venturing into rural areas or seeking faster speeds, Unitel Laos might be a better option.
Frequency Bands
GSM
Name | Interface | Description |
---|---|---|
900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM | Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) in Laos uses the GSM 900 MHz (E-GSM) frequency band. This band operates from 880 MHz to 960 MHz, with the uplink ranging from 880 MHz to 915 MHz and the downlink ranging from 925 MHz to 960 MHz. This frequency band is used for both uplink and downlink transmissions. |
1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM | Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) in Laos uses the GSM 1800 MHz (DCS) frequency band. This band is utilized for GSM services. |
UMTS
Name | Interface | Description |
---|---|---|
B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS | Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) in Laos uses the UMTS frequency band B1 (2100 MHz). This band is deployed for 3G services. The deployment date for this band is June 2013. |
LTE
Name | Interface | Description |
---|---|---|
B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE | Lao Telecom (LTC, LaoTel) in Laos uses LTE band B3 (1800 MHz +). This frequency band is widely used globally for LTE deployments, particularly in Europe, APAC, MEA, and selected countries in South America. It has become a core band for LTE deployments and is used by over 46% of all LTE or LTE-Advanced network operators worldwide. |