Burkina Faso

Mobile networks and carriers in Burkina Faso use 1 GSM band and 1 UMTS band. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Burkina Faso. See the tables below for details.

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Burkina Faso's mobile network is characterized by a significant gap in development compared to other countries, particularly the United States. The country code +226 is used for mobile communications, with a total of 24.76 million connections in 2022, primarily consisting of mobile phones at an average of 1.1 per person.

The early development of the mobile market in Burkina Faso began with the state-run Office National Des Telecommunications (ONATEL) launching the first mobile network based on CDMA2000 technology in 1998. Competition was introduced in 2000 with the entry of new GSM network operators such as Celtel, Télécel Faso, and ONATEL's Telmob. This competition led to reduced rates and increased coverage and density.

Mobile phone usage grew rapidly in the 2000s, increasing from 2,700 subscribers in 1998 to 1.0 million in 2006 and to 10.0 million in 2012. Despite this growth, the average revenue per user (ARPU) remained low, partly due to cost-saving behaviors such as "flashing" to minimize costs. Additionally, mobile phones became a status symbol, with owners often lending their phones to others in their communities.

The mobile telephony market in Burkina Faso is still relatively underdeveloped, with mobile penetration just over 100%. Fixed-line telephony and internet connections are very low, largely due to poor network infrastructure and limited electricity access, even in major cities. The government has implemented policies to improve network investment and usage, but the impact has been hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Carriers

Name	# of frequency bands in use
Airtel	2
Onatel	2
Telecel Faso	1

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Frequencies in use

GSM

Name	Interface
900 MHz (E-GSM)	GSM

UMTS

Name	Interface
B1 (2100 MHz)	UMTS

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