Burundi
Mobile networks and carriers in Burundi use 2 GSM bands, 1 UMTS band, and 1 LTE band. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Burundi. See the tables below for details.
Will your phone or mobile device work in Burundi?
Click the link below to find out.
Check device compatibilityBurundi's mobile network has undergone significant development since the liberalization of the telecommunication sector in 1997. Mobile telephony was introduced in 1999, and by the end of 2018, the country had 54 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 persons, up from 0.24 per 100 inhabitants in 2000. The growth in mobile subscriptions has been driven by the expansion of private telecommunication companies, which has improved service quality and lowered costs.
Despite this progress, mobile internet penetration remains low, with only 10% of the population having access to the internet by 2019. The majority of internet users rely on mobile internet, with 99% of internet users being mobile internet subscribers. The government has implemented initiatives such as the Burundi Broadband project, aiming to deliver nationwide broadband connectivity by 2025.
The mobile network infrastructure in Burundi is characterized by patchy coverage, particularly in rural areas. The majority of mobile subscribers remain on GSM networks, and while there has been growth in 3G and LTE networks, geographic coverage for LTE is less than 16%. This limited coverage hinders the development of a robust digital ecosystem and mobile internet services remain basic.
The average monthly cost for a mobile phone contract in Burundi is $9.70, which is significantly higher compared to the United States, where the average cost is around $44.10. This high cost is a barrier to widespread adoption, especially considering the low economic output and disposable income of the majority of the population.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Econet | 4 |
| Lumitel | 4 |
| Tempo | 1 |
Don't see the carrier you're looking for? Leave a comment below and we'll add it!
Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
| 1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE |
