Guinea-Bissau Telecommunications
At present time the telecommunication capacity in Guinea-Bissau is essentially based on mobile telephone network. The landline is not working. The landline communications network have been damaged in the 1987 conflict and deteriorated throughout the instability from 1987 to 2012.
Mobile Network Operators
MTN (www.mtn-bissau.com)and ORANGE (www.orange-bissau.com) are the private telecommunication companies present in the country. They provide cell phone, 3G coverage and money transfer service.
In 2014 MTN have introduced money transfer technology for cell phones – MTN Mobile Money
In 2015 ORANGE Telecom introduced the same, denominated ORANGE Mobile money.
In 2015 ORANGE and MTN introduced 3G coverage.
The network have different levels of coverage by region. (see table below)
Most of the people use 2 phones and 2 phone numbers: one for each company.
REGULATING TELECOMMUNICATION AUTHORITY
ARN Autoridade Reguladora Nacional
email: info@arn.gw
For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 4.11 Guinea-Bissau Additional Services Contact List
Telephone Services |
|
Is there an existing landline telephone network? |
No |
Does it allow international calls? |
No |
Number and Length of Downtime Periods (on average) |
N/A |
Mobile Phone Providers |
MTN; ORANGE |
Approximate Percentage of National Coverage |
See below |
Cell Phone Network Coverage by Region
Region |
MTN Geo coverage |
ORANGE Geo coverage |
Bissau |
100% |
100 % |
Biombo |
95 % |
96 % |
Cacheu |
95 % |
94 % |
Oio |
97 % |
95 % |
Bafata |
100 % |
100 % |
Gabu |
100 % |
100 % |
Quintara |
95 % |
95 % |
Tombali |
95 % |
96 % |
Bolama & Bijagós |
75% |
85 % |
Source: MTN and ORANGE Telecomm companies, 2015
Telecommunication Regulation
There are no restrictions for importation and licensing of communication equipment. Frequencies are managed by Regulating Telecommunication Authority: ARN Autoridade Reguladora Nacional.
Sat phone is covered by Thuraya.
Regulations on Usage and Import |
||
|
Regulations in Place? |
Regulating Authority |
Satellite |
N/A |
|
HF Radio |
Yes |
ARN Autoridade Reguladora Nacional |
UHF/VHF/HF Radio: Handheld, Base and Mobile |
Yes |
ARN Autoridade Reguladora Nacional |
UHF/VHF Repeaters |
Yes |
ARN Autoridade Reguladora Nacional |
GPS |
N/A |
|
VSAT |
YES |
ARN Autoridade Reguladora Nacional |
Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems
Each agency manages its network and frequencies. VHF network cover Bissau area with repeaters. UNDSS have a channel shared with all UN and international NGOs. Out of capital city VHF have no coverage and HF is used.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Internet Service Providers |
|
Are there ISPs available? |
Yes |
If yes, are they privately or government owned? |
Private |
Dial-up only? |
Dial-up Broadband |