Guinea-Bissau
Mobile networks and carriers in Guinea-Bissau use 2 GSM bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Guinea-Bissau. See the tables below for details.
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Check device compatibilityGuinea-Bissau's mobile network has experienced significant growth and development over the years. In 2008, there were approximately 500,200 mobile cellular lines in use, which increased to 1.1 million by 2012, placing the country 156th in the world in terms of mobile cellular subscribers. This expansion was driven by the introduction of mobile services, which provided a more accessible and affordable means of communication compared to the limited fixed-line infrastructure.
The mobile market in Guinea-Bissau has been shaped by the presence of two major mobile network operators. These operators have been backed by technically and financially strong international mobile groups, contributing to the rapid growth of mobile subscriptions. By the end of 2021, the number of mobile subscriptions had reached 1.89 million, with a penetration rate of 97.25%. This growth has been particularly notable in urban areas, where the penetration rate was 96%, and in rural areas, where it was 86%.
Despite the progress, there are still challenges in the mobile market. For instance, the use of multiple SIMs is common, with many users having two phones with different numbers, one for each operator. This practice is partly due to high interconnection prices imposed by the operators, which has led to ongoing disputes with the regulator.
Overall, Guinea-Bissau's mobile network has evolved from a relatively small and limited service in the early 2000s to a robust and widely used communication tool, significantly enhancing the country's connectivity and economic opportunities.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| MTN | 2 |
| Orange | 2 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
| 1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
