Mozambique

Mobile networks and carriers in Mozambique use 2 GSM bands and 2 UMTS bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Mozambique. See the tables below for details.

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Mozambique's mobile network has undergone significant development since the country's independence in 1975. The 258 area code, assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has been integral to this growth, serving as the country's unique identifier in the global network of telephone numbers. Initially, the telecommunications sector was limited to landline infrastructure, but it has evolved to include widespread mobile technology adoption.

Currently, the telecommunications market is structured around three vertically integrated operators: Vodacom, Movitel, and Tmcel. Vodacom, a private enterprise majorly owned by South Africa’s Vodacom Group, holds a significant market share. Movitel, a joint venture between the Viettel Group of Vietnam and Mozambique’s ruling party Frelimo, also plays a major role. Tmcel, a merger between Mozambique’s former telecommunication state-owned enterprise (TDM) and cellular network provider (Mcel), continues to offer integrated fixed-line services.

Despite the progress, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where limited access to electricity and financial services hinders internet connectivity. The high cost of devices and low literacy rates also contribute to the digital divide. However, initiatives like the launch of submarine cables and satellite internet services by Starlink aim to improve connectivity and reduce data costs.

Mobile phone subscriptions have increased significantly, with over 16 million subscriptions in 2020, corresponding to more than half of the population. The average cost of a mobile phone contract in Mozambique is around $7.00 per month, which includes 140 telephony minutes, 70 text messages, and 2 GBytes of data transfer. This cost is relatively high compared to the economic output per inhabitant, indicating a significant portion of the population's income is spent on mobile telephony.

Overall, Mozambique's mobile network has made substantial strides, but ongoing efforts are needed to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and ensure equitable access to communication services.

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Carriers

Name	# of frequency bands in use
mcel (Moçambique Celular)	4
Movitel	3
Vodacom	3

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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

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