Cameroon
Mobile networks and carriers in Cameroon use 2 GSM bands and 1 UMTS band. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Cameroon. See the tables below for details.
Will your phone or mobile device work in Cameroon?
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Check device compatibilityCameroon's mobile network has undergone significant development since the late 1990s. The country's first mobile phone service was introduced in 1999 with the advent of Societe Camerounaise des Mobiles (mobilis), now known as Orange Cameroun. This was followed by the introduction of two private mobile operators, Orange and MTN, and the retention of the state-owned fixed telephone operator, Camtel, through Law No. 98/014 of 14th July 1998.
By the early 2000s, mobile phone subscriptions had significantly increased, with the cumulative annual growth rate continuing to be astronomical. This growth was driven by the introduction of mobile phone services in rural areas, facilitated by the expansion of cellular networks and the establishment of call boxes, which provided access to mobile phones and services in areas where landline infrastructure was limited.
Today, the mobile network in Cameroon is dominated by four major service providers: MTN, Orange, Viettel, and the state-owned Camtel. MTN holds the largest market share, with 48% of the mobile market, followed by Orange. The mobile services market is primarily driven by prepaid services, which account for the majority of total mobile subscriptions. The average monthly mobile voice usage is expected to increase due to low-cost calling plans and bonus voice minutes offered by telecom companies.
The mobile network has played a crucial role in enhancing business transactions and improving communication among traders, particularly in regions like Molyko, where mobile phones have become essential tools for economic development. Despite challenges such as limited coverage in rural areas and security risks, the mobile network has transformed the way people communicate and conduct business in Cameroon.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Nexttel | 3 |
| Orange | 1 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
| 1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
