Equatorial Guinea: Limited internet access, difficult to find WiFi, local SIM card recommended.

Connectivity in Equatorial Guinea: A Comprehensive Guide to Internet Access and Local SIM Cards

Equatorial Guinea is a small country located in Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the south and east. Despite its small size, the country has made significant strides in terms of connectivity, with internet access and mobile phone usage on the rise. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the internet situation in Equatorial Guinea, including the availability of WiFi and the benefits of getting a local SIM card.

Internet Access in Equatorial Guinea

Internet access in Equatorial Guinea has improved significantly in recent years, with the government investing in infrastructure to expand coverage and increase speeds. According to the International Telecommunication Union, the country had a total of 500,000 internet users in 2020, representing a penetration rate of 5.1%. While this may seem low compared to other countries, it is a significant improvement from just a few years ago.

The majority of internet users in Equatorial Guinea access the internet via mobile devices, with smartphones becoming increasingly popular. This is due in part to the affordability of mobile data plans, which have become more accessible in recent years. However, fixed broadband internet is also available in major cities such as Malabo and Bata, with speeds ranging from 2Mbps to 10Mbps.

WiFi Availability in Equatorial Guinea

While WiFi is available in some hotels and cafes in major cities, it is not as widespread as in other countries. In some cases, the quality of WiFi can be unreliable, with slow speeds and frequent disconnections. This can be frustrating for travelers who rely on the internet for work or communication.

However, there are some options for those who need reliable WiFi access. Some hotels offer high-speed internet for an additional fee, while coworking spaces such as Impact Hub Malabo provide a dedicated workspace with reliable internet access. Additionally, some mobile network operators offer WiFi hotspots in public areas, although these can be limited in coverage.

Benefits of Getting a Local SIM Card

For travelers to Equatorial Guinea, getting a local SIM card can be a wise investment. Not only does it provide access to mobile data, but it also allows for cheaper calls and texts within the country. There are two major mobile network operators in Equatorial Guinea: Orange and Muni.

Orange is the largest operator in the country, with coverage in major cities and towns. They offer a range of prepaid and postpaid plans, with data allowances ranging from 500MB to 10GB. Prices vary depending on the plan and the amount of data included, but they are generally affordable compared to other countries.

Muni is a newer operator, launched in 2019, and is owned by the government. They offer similar plans to Orange, with data allowances ranging from 500MB to 10GB. However, their coverage is more limited, with service only available in major cities and towns.

In addition to mobile data, local SIM cards also provide access to mobile money services, which are becoming increasingly popular in Equatorial Guinea. These services allow users to send and receive money using their mobile phones, making it easier to pay for goods and services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while internet access and WiFi availability in Equatorial Guinea may not be as widespread as in other countries, there are options for those who need reliable connectivity. Getting a local SIM card can be a wise investment for travelers, providing access to mobile data and cheaper calls and texts within the country. With the government investing in infrastructure to expand coverage and increase speeds, it is likely that connectivity in Equatorial Guinea will continue to improve in the coming years.