Puerto Rico
Mobile networks and carriers in Puerto Rico use 2 GSM bands, 3 UMTS bands, 6 LTE bands, and 7 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Puerto Rico. See the tables below for details.
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Check device compatibilityPuerto Rico's mobile network has undergone significant changes and developments over the years. Here is a brief history and overview of the current state:
History of Mobile Network Development
Early Years: The first telegraph service was inaugurated in 1869, responding to an 1864 order by Spanish Governor Felix Maria Mesian. By 1872, the entire island had telegraph service, including international connections to the Caribbean and Europe.
Modern Era: The Puerto Rico Communications Authority was established in 1942, marking the beginning of modern telecommunications in the island. Radio stations and television services were introduced in the mid-20th century, with WIPR-TV being inaugurated in 1949.
Mobile Telephony: The modern digital mobile cellular system was integrated with that of the United States by 2011. This integration allowed for modern digital mobile services to be available to the public.
Recent Developments: In 2017, Hurricane Maria severely damaged the island's telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile networks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated $76.9 million to repair the damage. Despite these efforts, many areas still lack adequate internet access, particularly in rural regions.
Current Mobile Network
Providers: The mobile market in Puerto Rico is dominated by a few major players. América Móvil’s Claro and AT&T are among the leading providers, with Claro claiming to have over 1.6 million clients and América Móvil owning over 14,350 km of fiber optic cable.
Market Share: América Móvil’s Claro is the leading provider in Puerto Rico, with a significant market share. AT&T is also a major player, although it has announced plans to sell its mobile business in the Caribbean to Liberty Latin America.
Infrastructure: The island's mobile infrastructure has been impacted by natural disasters, leading to a decline in the number of subscribers. However, efforts to repair and enhance the infrastructure continue, including the activation of commercial 5G networks using the 600MHz band.
Internet Connectivity: Despite the progress in mobile telephony, internet connectivity remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas. The FCC's Uniendo a Puerto Rico program aims to address these connectivity gaps by allocating funds for broadband expansion.
In summary, Puerto Rico's mobile network has evolved significantly over the years, from early telegraph services to modern digital mobile systems. The current market is dominated by a few major players, with ongoing efforts to enhance and repair the infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| AT&T | 6 |
| Claro | 8 |
| Open Mobile | 1 |
| Sprint | 1 |
| T-Mobile | 10 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 850 MHz | GSM |
| 1900 MHz (PCS) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B2 (1900 MHz PCS) | UMTS |
| B4 (1700/2100 MHz AWS 1) | UMTS |
| B5 (850 MHz) | UMTS |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B4 (1700/2100 MHz AWS 1) | LTE |
| B13 (700 MHz c) | LTE |
| B17 (700 MHz bc) | LTE |
| B25 (1900 MHz +) | LTE |
| B66 (1700/2100 MHz) | LTE |
| B71 (600 MHz) | LTE |
5G NR
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| N41 (2500 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N66 (1700/2100 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N71 (600 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N78 (3500 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N258 (mmWave 26 GHz) | 5G NR |
| N260 (mmWave 39 GHz) | 5G NR |
| N261 (mmWave 28 GHz) | 5G NR |
