Connectivity in Brunei: Easy access to WiFi and local SIM cards make staying connected a breeze.

Connectivity in Brunei: A Guide to WiFi and Local SIM Cards

Brunei is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Despite its size, the country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, making it easy for visitors to stay connected while traveling. In this article, we will explore the internet situation in Brunei, the availability of WiFi, and whether it is worth getting a local SIM card.

The internet situation in Brunei is generally good. The country has a high internet penetration rate, with over 70% of the population having access to the internet. The government has invested heavily in the telecommunications sector, and as a result, the country has a modern and reliable network. The internet speed in Brunei is also impressive, with an average download speed of around 20 Mbps.

When it comes to finding WiFi in Brunei, visitors will be pleased to know that it is widely available. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer free WiFi to their customers. The WiFi speed is generally good, and visitors should have no trouble browsing the internet, checking emails, or using social media. However, it is worth noting that some areas may have weaker WiFi signals, particularly in more remote parts of the country.

For those who need to stay connected while on the go, getting a local SIM card is a good option. There are two main mobile network operators in Brunei: DST and Progresif. Both offer prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased at their respective stores or at the airport upon arrival. The cost of a SIM card is relatively cheap, with prices starting at around BND 5 (USD 3.70). Visitors will need to show their passport to purchase a SIM card, and it is worth noting that some stores may require visitors to have a local address.

Once visitors have a local SIM card, they can top up their credit at any convenience store or through the mobile network operator’s app. The cost of data is relatively cheap, with prices starting at around BND 5 for 1GB of data. The speed of the mobile network is generally good, and visitors should have no trouble using their mobile data for browsing the internet, checking emails, or using social media.

One thing to keep in mind when using a local SIM card in Brunei is that some websites and apps may be blocked. The government has strict internet censorship laws, and as a result, some websites and apps may be inaccessible. This includes popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Visitors who need to access these websites may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass the censorship.

In addition to WiFi and local SIM cards, visitors to Brunei may also be interested in using public WiFi hotspots. The government has launched a free public WiFi initiative, which aims to provide free WiFi access in public areas such as parks, markets, and government buildings. Visitors can connect to these hotspots by selecting the “BruWiFi” network and following the on-screen instructions. The speed of the public WiFi is generally good, and visitors should have no trouble using it for browsing the internet, checking emails, or using social media.

In conclusion, the internet situation in Brunei is generally good, with a high internet penetration rate and fast internet speeds. WiFi is widely available, and visitors should have no trouble staying connected while traveling. Getting a local SIM card is a good option for those who need to stay connected while on the go, and the cost of data is relatively cheap. Visitors should be aware of the government’s internet censorship laws, which may result in some websites and apps being blocked. Overall, Brunei is a well-connected country, and visitors should have no trouble staying connected while traveling.