Iran
Mobile networks and carriers in Iran use 2 GSM bands, 2 UMTS bands, 3 LTE bands, and 2 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Iran. See the tables below for details.
Will your phone or mobile device work in Iran?
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Check device compatibilityIran's mobile network development began in 1994 with the installation of 176 transmitters and receivers in 24 stations, serving 9,200 cell phone numbers. By March 2006, the number of cell phone subscribers had increased to 15,907, with coverage provided for major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Ahwaz, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
In recent years, mobile network coverage has expanded significantly, reaching the entire territory and population. As of September 2019, 176 million SIM cards were distributed by mobile operators, with over 115 million of them active. The main operators are Hamrah-e Aval (MCI), Irancell, and RighTel, with MCI holding the largest market share of 48.10%, followed by Irancell with 46.36%, and RighTel with 5.55%.
Mobile internet services were introduced through GPRS and later upgraded to 4G and 4.5G in various cities. The majority of users rely on mobile internet, with over 70 million Iranians using high-speed mobile internet as of 2020. Despite advancements, Iran still lacks a modern 5G network, with initial 5G sites launched in major cities but not yet widely available.
The mobile network ecosystem in Iran is dominated by state-owned companies, with the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) playing a significant role. The country has seen rapid growth in mobile subscriber numbers and internet usage, with over 45 million owning mobile phones and more than 23 million accessing the internet by 2009-2010.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Hamrahe Aval (MCI) | 8 |
| Mobinnet | 1 |
| MTN Irancell | 8 |
| RighTel | 5 |
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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 |
| B8 (900 MHz GSM) | UMTS |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE |
| B7 (2600 MHz) | LTE |
| B42 (TD 3500 MHz) | LTE |
5G NR
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| N77 (3700 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N78 (3500 MHz) | 5G NR |
Latest updates
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier RighTel updated.
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier MTN Irancell updated.
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier Mobinnet updated.
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier Hamrahe Aval (MCI) updated.
- 2024/08/05 - Carrier Mobinnet added to Iran.
- 2024/08/05 - Carrier MTN Irancell updated.
- 2024/08/05 - Carrier Hamrahe Aval (MCI) updated.
