Algeria

At the end of 2014, the penetration rate was estimated at 109% over a population estimate of 39.5 million.[1]

The telecom regulator in Algeria is Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications (ARPT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Djezzy GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 18.6 (2014)[2] Global Telecom Holding (51.7%)[3]
2 Mobilis GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 13.0 (2014)[2] Algérie Télécom
3 Ooredoo
(formerly Nedjma) GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 11.7 (2014)[2] Ooredoo (74.4%)
Angola

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 63.7% over a population estimate of 13.3 million.[4]

The telecom regulator in Angola is Instituto Angolano das Comunicações (INACOM).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Unitel GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
2100 MHz LTE 7 (nov 2011)[5] Mercury (Sonangol group) (25%), Group GENI (25%),
Vidatel (25%), Portugal Telecom (25%)[6]
2 Movicel GSM (GPRS, EDGE)
900 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
1800 MHz LTE 2.5 (September 2010)[6] Government (Angola Telecom (18%), Correios Telegrafos de Angola (2%)),
Porturil (40%), Modus Comicare (19%), Ipang (10%), Lambda (6%)
Bahrain

At the end of 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 133% over a population estimate of 1.27 million.[7]

The telecom regulator in Bahrain is Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain هيئة تنظيم الاتصالات (TRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Batelco GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 0.738[8] (Dec 2011) Bahrain Telecommunications Company
2 Zain
(formerly MTC-Vodafone) GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
1800 MHz LTE
WiMAX 0.787 (Sep 2014)[9] Zain Group (56.25%)
3 Viva GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE Not Yet Available STC
Benin

In December 2015, the penetration rate was estimated at 90.33%[10] (in 2014, the population was estimated as 10.33 millions[11]).

The telecom regulator in Benin is Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques de la Poste (ARCEP).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900/1800 MHz

UMTS, DC-HSPA+ LTE
4.3[10] (Dec 2015) MTN (75%)
2 Moov GSM-900 MHz
UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
3.3[10] (Dec 2015) Etisalat
3 Glo GSM-900/1800 MHz 1.7[10] (Dec 2015) Globacom
4 Libercom GSM-900 MHz 0.056[10] (Dec 2015) Benin Telecom
– BBcom GSM-900/1800 MHz ND[10][12] (Dec 2015) Bell Benin Communications
Botswana

In March 2015 the penetration rate was 167% over a population estimate of 2.05 millions.[13]

The telecom regulator in Botswana is Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Mascom GSM-900
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
1.7[13] (March 2015) Mascom Wireless (Pty) Limited, MTN (53%)
2 Orange GSM-900
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
1.1[13] (March 2015) Orange S.A. (69%), Mosokelatsebeng Cellular (local investors, 26%), local individuals (5%)
3 BeMobile GSM-900/1800
UMTS 0.52[13] (March 2015) BTC Botswana Telecommunications Corporation
Burkina Faso

In December 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 36% over a population estimate of 16.7 million.[14]

The telecom regulator in Burkina Faso is Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques (ARCE).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Orange GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 4.1 (2012) Orange[15]
2 Telmob (Onatel) CDMA2000, EVDO
GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+ 3.9 [16] (2012) Maroc Telecom (51%)
3 Telecel Faso GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 2 (2012) Planor Afrique
Burundi

In 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 20% over a population estimate of 8 million.[17]

The telecom regulator in Burundi is Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Econet Leo
CDMA
GSM-900/1800 MHz
2100 MHz UMTS

LTE
2.6[18] (July 2015) Econet Wireless
(purchased Leo from Vimpelcom)
2 Lumitel
(Viettel Burundi) GSM
UMTS
4G LTE 1.8[19] Viettel Group (Vietnam)
3 ONAMOB GSM-900 MHz 0.140 (Nov 2008)[citation needed] Onatel (state owned)
4 Smart Mobile
(formerly Lacell) GSM-1800 MHz
UMTS Not Yet Available Smart Telecom
Cabo Verde

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 87.5% over a population estimate of 0.5 million.[20]

The telecom regulator in Cabo Verde is Agência Nacional de Comunicações (ANAC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 CV Móvel GSM-900/1800 MHz UMTS 0.355[21] (September 2009) Portugal Telecom (40%)
2 T-MAIS GSM-900/1800 MHz 0.047[22] (Q1 2010) T-Mais
Cameroon

In July 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 43% over a population estimate of 19.7 million.[23]

The telecom regulator in Cameroon is Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-MHz 900

LTE
10.1 [24] (dec 2014) MTN Group (70%)
2 Orange GSM-900 MHz

LTE
6.2 [24] (dec 2014) Orange S.A.
3 Nexttel GSM-900/1800 MHz
UMTS 2.0 [24] (May 2015) Viettel Global, Bestinver Cameroon S.A.R.L
4 Camtel GSM new licence in September 2014 Camtel (government)
5 YooMee WiMAX Not yet available YooMee
Central African Republic

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 17.2% over a population estimate of 4.9 million.[25]

The telecom regulator in Central African Republic is Agence de régulation des télécommunications (ART).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Telecel Centrafrique GSM-900 0.143[26] (December 2008) Orascom Telecom
2 Orange GSM-1800 (GPRS)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 0.189[27] (Dec 2009) Orange S.A.
3 Nationlink GSM-900 0.158[28] (end 2008) Bintel
4 Moov GSM Not Yet Available Etisalat
Chad

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 24.3% over a population estimate of 10.7 million.[29]

The telecom regulator in Chad is Office Tchadien de Régulation des Télécommunications (OTRT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Tigo GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE. 3G HSPA 2100 MHz,4G LTE 10 MHz ) 1.257[30] (Oct 2010) MIC
2 Airtel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
1.199 (June 2009) Bharti Airtel
Comoros

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 20.8% over a population estimate of 0.8 million.[31]

The telecom regulator in Comoros is Autorité Nationale de Régulation des TIC (ANRTIC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Comores Telecom (Comtel) GSM-900

UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+ LTE
0.056 (2007)[32] government (Societe Nationale des Telecommunications)
2 Comoro Gulf Holding GSM – 90% Comoro Gulf Holding, 10% government
Congo

In Q4 2015 the penetration rate was estimated at 95.7%[33] over a population estimate of 4.6 million.

The telecom regulator in Congo is Agence de Régulation des postes et des Communications Electroniques (ARPCE).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900 MHz
UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+

LTE
2.250[34] (Q4 2015) MTN
2 Airtel GSM-900 MHz
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
1.851[34] (Q4 2015) Bharti Airtel (90%)
3 Azur GSM-900/1800 MHz 0.313[34] (Q4 2015) Bintel
Côte d’Ivoire

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 68.5% over a population estimate of 21.5 million.[35]

The telecom regulator in Côte d’Ivoire is Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Orange GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
13.531 (Sept 2017)[27] Orange S.A. (85%), Comafrique (15%)
2 MTN GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
11.173 (Sep 2017)[36] MTN (64.7%), Planor (25.3%), Teylium group (10%)
3 Moov GSM (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 7.587 (Sep 2017)[22] Etisalat
– Koz GSM-900/1800 2.500 (April 2010)[37] Comium (licence revoqued)[38]
– GreenN GSM-900/1800 0.617 (Q1 2010)[citation needed] LAP Oricel (licence revoqued)[38]
– Warid GSM Not Yet Available Warid Telecom (licence revoqued)[38]
– Mobile Cafe GSM Not Yet Available Aircomm (licence revoqued)[38]
8 YooMee TD-LTE Not Yet Available YooMee
Democratic Republic of the Congo

In 2016 the penetration rate was estimated at 50% over a population estimate of 80 million.

The telecom regulator in Democratic Republic of the Congo is Agence de Régulation de la Poste et des Télécommunications du Congo (ARPTC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Vodacom GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
WiMAX 10.008[39] (Mar 2014) Vodacom (51%), Congolese Wireless Network (49%)
2 Orange GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 5.28[40] (Q3 2015) Orange S.A.
– Tigo / Orange GSM (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 6.5 (Q1 2016) MIC(acquired by Orange in Feb 2016, subject to Regulator approval[41])
3 Africell GSM
UMTS 5.5 (Dec 2014) Africell Holding[42]
4 Airtel GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 5.0[43] (Aug, 2012) Bharti Airtel (98.5%)
5 Supercell GSM-900 0.028 (covers Kivu only) [44]
6 SemaTel GSM not started Hits Telecom[45] (60%)
7 U-Com CDMA not started Global Vision Telecom (Telecel International)[46]
Smile LTE launch expected in 2016 [47] Smile Communications (Al-Nahla Technology, Atheeb Trading Company, Capitalworks, Verene) [48]
Djibouti

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 14.88% over a population estimate of 0.75 million.[49]

The telecom regulator in Djibouti is Ministère de la Communication chargé des Postes et des Télécommunications (MCPT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Evatis GSM-900 MHz
UMTS, HSPA 0.106 (Q1 2010)[citation needed] Djibouti Telecom (government)
Egypt

Egypt has 99 million mobile users as of December 2017, government figures showed.[50]

The telecom regulator in Egypt is National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Vodafone GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+
LTE 38.505[51] (March 2018) Vodafone Group plc (54.93%), Telecom Egypt (44.94%), Free Float (0.13%)
2 Orange
(formerly Mobinil) GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+
LTE 33.0[50] (March 2017) Orange S.A. (99.39%), Free Float (0.61%)
3 Etisalat GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+
LTE 24.1[50] (March 2017) Etisalat (76%), Egypt Post (20%), Other Investors (4%)
4 We (by Telecom Egypt) GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+ 1.6 (December 2017) Egyptian government (80%), Free Float (20%)
Equatorial Guinea

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 74% over a population estimate of 0.6 million.[52]

The telecom regulator in Equatorial Guinea is Órgano Regulador de las Telecomunicaciones Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ORTEL).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Orange GSM-900 MHz 0.333[27] (Dec 2009) Orange S.A. (40%), Equatorial Guinea state (60%)
2 Muni GSM-900/1800 MHz UMTS 0.150 (September 2013)[citation needed] Green-com S.A. (Hits Africa)
3 Gecomsa not yet available
(created in 2012) Equatorial Guinea state (51%), China state (49%)
Eritrea

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 3.4% over a population estimate of 5.9 million.[53]

The telecom regulator in Eritrea is Eritrean Communications Regulatory Authority (ECRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Eritel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS) Not Yet Available Eritrea Telecommunications Services Corporation
Ethiopia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 4.6% over a population estimate of 90.8 million.[54]

The telecom regulator in Ethiopia is Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Ethiotelecom GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+

LTE
26.2[55] Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation
Gabon

In October 2009 the penetration rate was estimated at almost 100%.[56]

The telecom regulator in Gabon is Autorité de Régulation des communications Electroniques et des Postes (ARCEP).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Airtel
(formerly Celtel, Zain) GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
0.836 (June 2009) Bharti Airtel (90%)
2 Libertis GSM-900 MHz 0.513 (Dec 2009)[citation needed] Maroc Telecom (51%),
Gabonese government (49%)
3 Moov GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 0.140[57] (September 2008) Etisalat
4 Azur GSM-900 MHz Not Yet Available Bintel Saudi Binladin Group (60%)
Gambia

In 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 85.53% over a population estimate of 1.77 million.

The telecom regulator in Gambia is Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Africell GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
1.30 (Jan 2015)[citation needed] Africell Gambia LTD
2 Comium GSM-900/1800 (GPRS) 0.25 (2012)[citation needed] Comium Group
3 Gamcel GSM-900 0.24 (2012)[citation needed] Gambia Telecommunications Cellular Company Ltd
4 Qcell GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 0.115 (2012)[citation needed] Qcell
Ghana

In December 2015 the penetration rate was estimated at 127% over a population estimate of 25.4 million.[58]

The telecom regulator in Ghana is National Communications Authority (NCA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
16.25[58] (Dec 2015) MTN (97.7%)
2 Vodafone GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
9.067[58] (March 2018) Vodafone (70%)
3 Tigo GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
4.85[58] (Dec 2015) MIC
4 Airtel GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
4.79[58] (Dec 2015) Bharti Airtel (75%)
5 Glo GSM (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 1.37[58] (Dec 2015) Globacom
6 Expresso Telecom CDMA2000 1X 0.13[58] (Dec 2015) Sudatel
Guinea

In Q4 2015, the penetration rate was estimated at 99.1%[59] over a population estimate of 10.8 millions.

The telecom regulator in Guinea is Autorité de Régulation des Postes et Télécommunications (ARPT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Orange GSM-900/1800 MHz 5.24[59] (Q4 2015) Orange S.A. (52.2%)
2 MTN
(formerly Areeba) GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
WiMAX 3.21[59] (Q4 2015) MTN (75%)
3 Cellcom Guinée GSM-900/1800 MHz
2100 MHz UMTS 2.14[59] (Q4 2015) Cellcom Telecommunications Ltd[60]
4 Intercel GSM-900 MHz 0.11[59] (Q4 2015) Telecel Guinee SARL
– Sotelgui GSM-900 MHz 0.16[citation needed] Telekom Malaysia, government
Guinea-Bissau

In March 2015 the penetration rate was estimated at 67.0% over a population estimate of 1.75 million.[61]

The telecom regulator in Guinea-Bissau is Autoridade Reguladora Nacional das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação da Guiné Bissau (ARN).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900/1800 UMTS

LTE
0.575 (Sep 2014)[36] MTN Group
2 Orange GSM-900/1800

LTE
0.477 (Dec 2013)[62] Orange S.A. (52.2%)
3 pt:Guinetel GSM-900 not available Guinea Telecom
Iran

In December 2016 the penetration rate was estimated at 101.05% over a population estimate of 80 million.

The telecom regulator in Iran is Communications Regulatory Authority of the Iran سازمان تنظيم مقررات و ارتباطات رادیویی (CRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers[63]
(in millions) Ownership
1 Hamrahe Aval GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100/900 MHz (HSPA, DC-HSPA+)
1800/2600 MHz (LTE, LTE-A) 47.5 (Q1 2018) Telecommunication Company of Iran
2 Irancell GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100/900 MHz (HSPA, DC-HSPA+)
1800/2600 MHz (LTE, LTE-A) 32.5 (Q1 2018) Iran Electronic Development Company (51%)
MTN Group (49%)
3 RighTel 2100/900 MHz (HSPA, DC-HSPA+)
1800 MHz (LTE) 2.5 (Q1 2018) Social Security Investment Company
Iraq

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 74.2% over a population estimate of 30.4 million.[64]

The telecom regulator in Iraq is Communications and Media Commission هيئة الإعلام والإتصالات (CMC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Zain GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE, 3G)

LTE
13.298[9] (Sep 2014) Zain Group (71.67%)
2 Asia Cell GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 11.644[65] (Q2 2014) Ooredoo (30%)
3 Korek GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, High-Speed Packet Access|HSPA) Not Yet Available Korek Telecom Ltd.
4 Omnnea CDMA Not Yet Available Omnnea
5 Itisaluna CDMA 2000 1x & EVDO-450,800,1900 MHz Not Yet Available Itisaluna
Israel

In 2014 the penetration rate was estimated at 125% over a population estimate of 10.27 million.[66]

The telecom regulator in Israel is Ministry of Communications משרד התקשורת (MOC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
Mobile Network Operators
1 Cellcom GSM-1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
850/2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA
1800 MHz LTE 2.812 [67] (June 2016) DIC (41.77%), Public (58.23%)
2 Partner GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 2.700[68] (June 2016) Free float (69.8%), S.B. Israel Telecom (30.2%)
3 Pelephone 850/2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 2.260[69] (June 2016) Bezeq
4 Golan Telecom GSM-1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 1.0 [70] (July 2016) Private Investors and Iliad SA
5 Hot Mobile 800 MHz iDEN
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 0.32[71] (September 2013) HOT
Mobile Virtual Network Operators
6 Rami Levy
(using Pelephone) CDMA2000 EV-DO, UMTS, DC-HSPA+, LTE N/A Rami Levy Hashikma Marketing
8 019 Telzar
(using Partner) GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, DC-HSPA+, LTE N/A
9 Cellact
(using Pelephone) CDMA2000 EV-DO, UMTS, DC-HSPA+, LTE N/A Cellact Communication
Jordan

In March 2016 the penetration rate was estimated at 140% over a population estimate of 14.09 million.[72]

The telecom regulator in Jordan is Telecommunications Regulatory Commission هيئة تنظيم قطاع الاتصالات (TRC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Zain Jordan GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+, LTE 4.94[72] (Q1 2016) Zain Group
2 Orange Jordan GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+, LTE 4.59[72] (Q1 2016) Orange S.A.
3 Umniah GSM-1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+, LTE 4.55[72] (Q1 2016) Batelco
Kenya
Ambox current red.svg

This article needs to be updated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (February 2017)

The country has 40.8 million subscribers in total, or a 76.9% penetration rate.[73] (Jan 2018)

The telecom regulator in Kenya is Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Safaricom GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
WiMAX
800/1800 MHz LTE 29.4[73] (Jan 2018) Vodafone (40%)
Public Float (60%)
2 Airtel
(formerly Zain) GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
6.09[73] (Jan 2018) Bharti Airtel (80%)
3 Telkom Kenya
(formerly Orange) GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
3.4[73] (Jan 2018) Helios Investment Partners (70%)[74]
Kenyan government (30%)
4 Jamii Telecommunications

(Faiba 4G)
LTE-700 MHz Jamii Telecommunications Limited
Kuwait

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 164.7% over a population estimate of 2.6 million.[75]

The telecom regulator in Kuwait is Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Zain GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 2.688 (Sep 2014)[9] Zain Group
2 Ooredoo
(formerly Wataniya) GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
1800 MHz LTE 2.327[65] (Q2 2014) Ooredoo (52.5%)
3 Viva GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 1.106[when?][citation needed] STC (26%)
Lebanon

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 65.9% over a population estimate of 4.1 million.[76]

The telecom regulator in Lebanon is Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 touch GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
800/1800 MHz LTE, LTE-A 2.125 (Sep 2014)[9] government – management contract: Zain Group
2 Alfa GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
800/1800 MHz LTE, LTE-A 1.8M[77] (2014) government – management contract: Orascom Telecom
Lesotho

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 45.77% over a population estimate of 1.9 million.[78]

The telecom regulator in Lesotho is Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Vodacom GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA
LTE
WiMAX 1.344[39] (Mar 2014) Sekha-Metsi Consortium (12%), Vodacom (88%)
2 Econet Ezi-Cel GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS HSDPA Not Yet Available Econet Ezi Cel Lesotho (Pty)
Liberia

At the end of 2013, the penetration rate was estimated at 68.3% over a population estimate of 3.8 million.[79]

The telecom regulator in Liberia is Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Lonestar Cell GSM-900 1.299 (Sep 2014)[36] MTN (60%)
2 Cellcom GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 0.997[79] (end 2013) Orange Côte d’Ivoire
(formerly owned by Cellcom Telecommunications)
3 Novafone
(formerly Comium) GSM-900 (GPRS)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+ 0.236[79] (end 2013) Comium Services BVI
4 Libtelco ? 0.005[79] (end 2013) Liberia Telecommunications Corporation
Libya

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 169.74% over a population estimate of 6.6 million.[80]
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Almadar Aljadid GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE),
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSPA+

LTE
3.1[81] (December 2016) State-owned via GPTC
2 Libyana GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE),
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSPA+, 4G, LTE 6.3[81] (December 2016) State-owned via GPTC
Madagascar

In 2014 the penetration rate was estimated at 42% (9.7 miilions) over a population estimate of 23 millions.[82]

The telecom regulator in Madagascar is Autorité de Régulation des Technologies de Communication (ARTEC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Airtel GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
2.56 (April 2013)[83] Bharti Airtel
2 Telma Mobile CdmaOne
GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA

LTE
1.98 (April 2013) Distacom Group, Telma SA, Hiridjee group
3 Orange GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)

LTE
1.85 (April 2013) Orange S.A. (40.01%)
4 Blueline LTE N/A Blueline
5 bip Madagascar LTE launched in June 2016 Blueline
Malawi

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 19.32% over a population estimate of 15.9 million.[84]

The telecom regulator in Malawi is Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Airtel
(formerly Zain) GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
3.5 (September 2015) [85] Bharti Airtel
2 TNM GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
2 (July 2013) [86] Malawi Telecommunications Limited, Telekom Malaysia
3 G-Mobile GSM Globally Advanced Integrated Networks,[87] Beryl (South Africa)
4 Lacell GSM La Cell Private Limited[88]
5 G-Expresso GSM Expresso Telecom Group Limited[88]
Mali

The country had 7.6 million subscribers in total (in March 2011), or a 50% penetration rate.[89]

The telecom regulator in Mali is Autorité Malienne de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC et des Postes (AMRTP).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Orange GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 5.0 (March 2011) Orange S.A. 52.2%
2 Sotelma-Malitel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 2.6[90] (March 2011) Maroc Telecom 51%, local investors 20%, government 19%, staff 10%[91]
3 Planor GSM licensed in Jan 2012 Planor (support of Monaco Telecom)
Mauritania

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 85.92% over a population estimate of 3.3 million.[92]

The telecom regulator in Mauritania is Autorité de Régulation (ARE).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Mauritel GSM-900 MHz 1.335 (Dec 2009)[citation needed] Maroc Telecom (51.5%)
2 Chinguitel CDMA
UMTS 0.160[93] (May 2008) Sudatel (60%)
3 MATTEL GSM-900 MHz Not Yet Available Tunisie Telecom (51%), Mauritanian Investors (49%)
Mauritius

The country has 0.78 million subscribers in total, or a 60% penetration rate.[94] (September 2007)

The telecom regulator in Mauritius is Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Mauritius (ICTA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Orange GSM-900 (EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
1800 MHz LTE 0.628[27] (Dec 2009) Mauritius Telecom group and Orange S.A.
2 Emtel GSM-900 (EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
1800 MHz LTE 0.437[95] (Dec 2009) MIC (50%), Currimjee
3 CHiLi CdmaOne, EvDo, GSM, UMTS 0.2[citation needed] (March 2008) Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Limited (MTML)
Morocco

The country has 31.311 million subscribers in total, or a 113.57% penetration rate.[96] (December 2011)

The telecom regulator in Morocco is Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Telecommunications (ANRT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Maroc Telecom GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA,
800/1800 MHz, LTE, LTE-A 18.373 (June 2017) Etisalat (53%), state of Morocco (30%)
2 Orange GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA,
800/1800/2600 MHz LTE, LTE-A 14.692 (June 2017) Orange S.A. (49%),
FinanceCom+CDG (51%)
3 inwi GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+,
800/1800/2600 MHz, LTE, LTE-A 6.425 (June 2017) Zain Group (31%)
Mozambique

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 27.19% over a population estimate of 22.95 million.[97]

The telecom regulator in Mozambique is Instituto Nacional de Telecomunicações de Moçambique (INCM).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 mcel GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA >5.3[98][when?] Partially state-owned
2 Vodacom GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 4.333[39] (Mar 2014) Vodacom (85%)
3 Movitel GSM 2[99] (May 2013) Viettel (70%), SPI (30%)[100]
Namibia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 85.53% over a population estimate of 2.15 million.[101]

The telecom regulator in Namibia is Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTC GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSUPA, HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 1.855[102] (September 2011) Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (66%)
Portugal Telecom (34%)
2 TN Mobile
(formerly Cell One, Leo) GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
0.300 (Dec. 2010) Telecom Namibia Ltd.
Niger

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 20.63% over a population estimate of 16.5 million.

The telecom regulator is Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et de la Poste (ARTP).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Airtel GSM-900 1.341 (June 2009) Bharti Airtel (90%)
2 Sonitel GSM-900 2.5 (Q1 2012) Sahel-Com, Lap Green overtaken by government[103]
3 Orange GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 0.462[27] (Dec 2009) Orange S.A.
4 Moov GSM-900 Not Yet Available Maroc Telecom
Nigeria

In September 2013 the penetration rate was estimated at 84% over a population estimate of 193.4 million.[104]

The telecom regulator in Nigeria is Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
62.5 [105] (September 2015) MTN (41.5%)
2 Airtel
(formerly Zain) GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
31.1 [105] (September 2015) Bharti Airtel (20.6%)
3 Glo Mobile GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
31.3 [105] (September 2015) Globacom (20.78%)
4 9mobile
(formerly Etisalat) GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
23.5 [105] (September 2015) Etisalat, Mubadala, Nigerian Investors (15.60%)
5 Visafone CDMA2000 1X 2.03 [105] (September 2015) Visafone(0.014%)
6 Multilinks Telkom CDMA2000 1X 0.01 [105] (September 2015) Telkom
Oman

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 142.19% over a population estimate of 3 million.[106]

The telecom regulator in Oman is Telecommunications Regulatory Authority هيئة تنظيم الاتصالات (TRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Omantel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
1800 MHz FD-LTE, 2300 MHz TD-LTE 2.72[107] (Dec 2013) Omantel (99%)
2 Ooredoo
(formerly Nawras) GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
800/1800 MHz FD-LTE, 2300 MHz TD-LTE 2.472[65] (Q2 2014) Ooredoo (55%)
Palestine

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 97.5% over a population estimate of 2.5 million.[108]

The telecom regulator in Palestine is Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (PTRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Jawwal GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 2.45[109] (Q1 2012) Paltel
2 Ooredoo GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 0.679[65] (Q2 2014) Ooredoo (57%), Palestine Investment Fund (43%)
Qatar

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 322.52% over a population estimate of 0.8 million.[110]

The telecom regulator in Qatar is Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Ooredoo
(formerly Qtel) GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
800/1800/2600 MHz LTE, LTE-A 2.996[65] (Q2 2014) Ooredoo
2 Vodafone GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
800/1800/2600 MHz LTE, LTE-A 1.372[51] (September 2014) Vodafone (22.95%), Qatari Institutions (37.05%), Free Float (40%)
La Réunion

This French overseas territory has ? million subscribers in total, or a 74.7% penetration rate.[111] (2008)

The telecom regulator in La Réunion is Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques et des Postes (ARCEP).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 SFR GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
Not Yet Available SFR
2 Orange GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
Not Yet Available Orange
3 FREE GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA Not Yet Available fr: ILIAD and TELCO OI
Rwanda

In December 2013 the penetration rate was estimated at 63.5% over a population estimate of 11.4 million.[112]

The telecom regulator in Rwanda is Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
3.56[113] (Dec 2013) MTN Group (55%), Crystal Telecom (35%)
2 Tigo GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
2.18[113] (Dec 2013) MIC (87.5%)
3 Airtel GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
LTE 0.96[113] (Dec 2013) Bharti
– Rwandatel CdmaOne
GSM-900/1800
2100 MHz UMTS [114] (license revoked Apr 2011) LAP Green Networks (80%)
São Tomé and Príncipe

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 57.94% over a population estimate of 0.18 million.[115]

The telecom regulator in São Tomé and Príncipe is Autoridade Geral de Regulação (AGER).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 CST GSM-900 UMTS[116] 0.078[21] (September 2009) Portugal Telecom (51%)
Saudi Arabia

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 162.6% over a population estimate of 26.1 million.[117]

The telecom regulator in Saudi Arabia is Communications and Information Technology Commission هيئة الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات (CITC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 STC 2G :GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
3G :900/2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
4G FD-LTE :1800 MHz
4G TD-LTE :2300 MHz 19.914[118] (Q3 2010) 70% state owned and 30% private[citation needed]
2 Mobily 2G : GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
3G :2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
4G TD-LTE:2600 MHz
4G FD-LTE:1800 MHz 15.06[118] (Q3 2010) Etisalat (25%)
3 Zain 2G:GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
3G:900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
4G FD-LTE:2100/1800 MHz LTE, LTE-A 11.40 (Dec 2015) Zain Group (37%)
4 Bravo iDEN 0.196 (Sept2009)[citation needed] STC
5 Virgin mobile KSA GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz FD-LTE, 2300 MHz TD-LTE
6 Lebara KSA GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
1800 MHz FD-LTE, 2600 MHz TD-LTE
Senegal

At the end of December 2015 the penetration rate was estimated at 110,74%, over a population estimate of 13,5 millions.[119]

The telecom regulator in Senegal is Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Orange

Orange Avec Kirene virtual operator using the infrastructure of orange Senegal
GSM-900
2100 MHz UMTS

LTE
8.415[119] (31 Dec 2015) Sonatel, Orange S.A. (52.2%)
2 Tigo GSM-900
UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
3.355[119] (31 Dec 2015) MIC
3 Expresso CDMA
GSM-900/1800
UMTS 3.188[119] (31 Dec 2015) Sudatel
4 Hayo Telecom CDMA
GSM-900/1800
UMTS 0.483[119] (31 Dec 2015) CSU
Seychelles

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 245% over a population estimate of 0.09 million.[120]

The telecom regulator in Seychelles is Department of Information Communications Technology (ICT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Airtel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
Not Yet Available Bharti Airtel
2 Cable & Wireless GSM-900 MHz Not Yet Available Cable & Wireless
Sierra Leone

The country has 0.8 million subscribers in total, or a 13.23% penetration rate.[121] (2007)

The telecom regulator in Sierra Leone is National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Africell GSM-900
UMTS 2.9[122] (feb 2015) Lintel Limited
2 Orange GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
0.644[123] (Feb 2012) Orange[15]
3 Sierratel CDMA Not Yet Available government, managed by MDIC[124]
Comium GSM-900/1800
WiMAX 0.650[125] (2009) Comium licence revoked since oct 2014,[126] while NATCOM managers have been sacked in 2015[127]
GreenN GSM Not Yet Available Ambitel (LapGreen) licence revoked since September 2014[128]
Somalia

As of 2009, dial up internet services in Somalia were among the fastest developing in the region, with an annual landline growth rate of over 12.5%. Internet via satellite also had a steady growth rate of 10% to 15% per year.[129]
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Hormuud GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
2.38[130] (Q4 2015) Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc
2 Telcom Somalia GSM
2100 MHz UMTS

LTE
1.00[130] (Q4 2015) Haatif Telecom Somalia
3 Telesom Mobile GSM
2100 MHz UMTS 0.80[130] (Q4 2015) Telesom Group
4 Nationlink GSM-900 0.71[130] (Q4 2015) Bintel
5 Somtel GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
0.46[130] (Q4 2015) Dahabshiil
6 Golis Telecom Somalia GSM-900 0.24[130] (Q4 2015) Golis Telecom Somalia, Gaani Wireless
7 Somafone GSM-900 0.20[130] (Q4 2015) Somali Telecom Group
8 Netco GSM-900 Not Yet Available Somali Telecom Group
South Africa

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 99.6% over a population estimate of 49 million.[131]

The telecom regulator in South Africa is Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Vodacom GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE
WiMAX 41.6[132] (Dec 2017) Vodafone (65%)
2 MTN GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800 MHz LTE 30.9[133] (Sep 2017) MTN Group
3 Cell C GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
1800/2100 MHz LTE, LTE-A 16.3[134] (Dec 2017) Oger Telecom in process of diluting it’s 70% stake to 27%

Blue Label Telecoms is planning to acquire a 30% stake in Cell C[135]
4 Telkom GSM-1800 (GPRS)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

2300 MHz LTE
4.0[136] (March 2017) Telkom
5 Rain 1800 MHz LTE Rain (formerly Wireless Business Solutions) 80%

ARC 20%
South Sudan

The country has 1 million subscribers in total, or an 8% penetration rate.[137]

The telecom regulator in South Sudan is Ministry of Telecommunication and Postal Services (MOTPS).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 0.787[36] (Sep 2014) MTN Group
2 Zain GSM (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 0.664[9] (Sep 2014) Zain Group
3 Sudani GSM (GPRS)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA Not Yet Available Sudatel[not operationally active]
4 Vivacell (NOW) GSM-900/1800 MHz Not Yet Available Fattouch Investment Group (75%), Wawat Securities (25%)[138]
5 Gemtel GSM-900/1800 MHz Not Yet Available Lap Green Networks (80%)
Sudan

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 42.3% over a population estimate of 45 million.[139]

The telecom regulator in Sudan is National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Zain GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+, LTE 11.095[9] (Sep 2014) Zain Group
2 MTN GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, LTE 8.474[36] (Sep 2014) MTN Group (85%)
3 Sudani CDMA
GSM-1800 MHz (GPRS)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA Not Yet Available Sudatel
4 Canar CdmaOne Not Yet Available Bank of Khartoum (100%)
Swaziland

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 13.73% over a population estimate of 10.37 million.[140]

The telecom regulator in Swaziland is Swaziland Communications Commission (SCCom).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA

LTE
0.928 (Sep 2014)[36] MTN Group (30%)
Syrian Arab Republic

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 46.6% over a population estimate of 22.5 million.[141]

The telecom regulator in Syrian Arab Republic is Syrian Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (SyTRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN
(formerly Areeba) GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA,LTE 5.676 (Sep 2014)[36] MTN Group (39%)
2 Syriatel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 7.1 [142] (Aug 2014) Syriatel
Tanzania (United Republic of)

In March 2015 the penetration rate was estimated at 65% [143] over a population estimate of 51 million.

The telecom regulator in Tanzania is Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Vodacom GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
12.17 [143] (March 2015) Vodacom (82.2%)
2 Airtel
(formerly Zain) GSM-900/1800 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
9.70 [143] (March 2015) Bharti Airtel (60%)
3 Tigo GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
LTE 9.26 [143] (March 2015) MIC
4 Zantel GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 1.74 [143] (March 2015) Etisalat (51%) and Zanzibar Telecom Ltd
5 TTCL Mobile CDMA 0.30 [143] (March 2015)
6 Benson Informatics CDMA 0.0005[143] (March 2015)
7 MyCell CDMA-800 Not Yet Available Quality Group Ltd
8 Excellentcom GSM Not Yet Available Hits Telecom
9 Egotel (Lacell) UMTS Not Yet Available Bitmap (65%), J&AK Group (35%)
10 Smart Not Yet Available
11 Smile Communications 4G TD-LTE Not Yet Available
12 Halotel GSM
UMTS Launched October 15, 2015. Viettel Tanzania Limited (Subsidiary of Viettel Group[144][145])
Togo

In June 2014 the penetration rate was estimated at 60.7% over a population estimate of 7.2 million.[146]

The telecom regulator in Togo is Autorité de Règlementation des secteurs de Postes et de Télécommunications (ART&P).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Togocel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 2.751 (4Q 2014)[citation needed] Togo Telecom (state owned)
2 Moov GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE) 1.648 (4Q 2014)[citation needed] Etisalat
Tunisia

The country has 11.2 million subscribers in total, or a 105.8% penetration rate.[147] (Sep 2010)

The telecom regulator in Tunisia is Instance Nationale des Télécommunications (INT).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Ooredoo
(formerly Tunisiana) GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+

LTE
7.375[65] (Q2 2014) Ooredoo (75%)
2 Tunisie Telecom GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
5.04 [148] (March 2008) Tunisie Télécom Group (65%),
Tecom DIG (35%) [147]
3 Orange GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
0.53 Orange S.A., Divona
Turkey

Turkey has 71.7 million subscribers in total, or a 94.34% penetration rate. (2015)

The telecom regulator in Turkey is Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK : Bilgi Teknolojileri ve Iletisim Kurumu).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Turkcell GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+, 3C-HSDPA
800/1800/2100/2600 MHz LTE, LTE-A 34.000 [149] (Q2 2015) TeliaSonera (37.09%), Cukurova Group (13.81%), Alfa Group (13.22%), MV Holding (1.18%), 34.70% in minoritaries
2 Vodafone
(Formerly Telsim) GSM 900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+
800/900/1800/2600 MHz LTE, LTE-A 23.298[51] (March 2018) Vodafone (100%)
3 Türk Telekom
(Formerly Avea, Aria, Aycell) GSM 1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900/2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+
800/1800/2600 MHz LTE, LTE-A 16.700 [149] (Q2 2015) Türk Telekom (100%)
Uganda

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 30.78% over a population estimate of 34.6 million.[150]

The telecom regulator in Uganda is Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN CDMA
GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
2600 MHz TD-LTE
WiMAX 10.181[36] (September 2014) MTN Group (96%)
2 Airtel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 4.6 [151] (April 2013) Bharti Airtel
3 Africell GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900 MHz & 2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+
800 MHz LTE & 2600 MHz LTE 1.8 [27] (November 2016) Africell Holding (95%)
Warid
(Bought by Airtel in 2013) GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
WiMAX 2.8 [151] (April 2013) Airtel Africa
4 UT Mobile CdmaOne
GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 1.0(July 2016) Uganda Telecom Limited
5 Essar GSM (GPRS) Not Yet Available Essar Group (90%)
6 Smart Telecom unknown uses Sure Telecom licence[152] Smart Telecom
United Arab Emirates

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 230.6% over a population estimate of 5.15 million.[153]

The telecom regulator in United Arab Emirates is Telecommunications Regulatory Authority الهيئة العامة لتنظيم قطاع الاتصالات (TRA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Etisalat GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
900 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
800/1800/2100/2600 MHz LTE, LTE-A 8.92 [154] (April 2013) UAE Federal Government (40%) and public shareholders (60%)
2 du GSM-900/1800 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+
800/1800 MHz LTE, LTE-A 7.6 [155] (Q1 2014) UAE Federal Government (39.5%), Mubadala Development Company (19.75%), TECOM Investments (19.5%), and public shareholders (21.25%)
Yemen

In September 2010 the penetration rate was estimated at 38.4% over a population estimate of 24.1 million.[156]

The telecom regulator in Yemen is Public Telecommunication Corporation (PTC).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Spacetel GSM-900 MHz 5.300[36] (Sep 2014) MTN Group (85%)
2 Sabafon GSM-900 MHz 3.65[157] (September 2012) Yemen Mobile Phone Company, Batelco (26.942%)
3 Yemen Mobile CDMA2000/1x 2.180 (2008–2009)[citation needed] Yemen Mobile
4 HiTS-UNITEL (Y) GSM-900 MHz 0.281 (2008–2009)[citation needed] HiTS-UNITEL
Zambia

In December 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 62% over a population estimate of 13.9 million.[158]

The telecom regulator in Zambia is Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 MTN GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, DC-HSPA+

LTE
4.447[36] (Sep 2014) MTN Group
2 Airtel GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+

LTE
4.04[159] (May 2014) Bharti Airtel (78.88%)
3 ZAMTEL GSM-900 MHz (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSPA+ 1.2 (Dec 2011)[citation needed] Zambia Telecommunications Company Ltd
Zimbabwe

In December 2011 the penetration rate was estimated at 74.7% to 9.037 million subscribers.[160]

The telecom regulator in Zimbabwe is Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
Rank Operator Technology Subscribers
(in millions) Ownership
1 Econet GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
1800 MHz LTE
WiMAX 5.686[161] (February 2012) Econet Wireless (Private) Limited
2 Telecel GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA 1.875 [161] (February 2012) VimpelCom Ltd (60%)
3 Net*One GSM-900 (GPRS, EDGE)
2100 MHz UMTS, HSDPA
1800 MHz LTE 1.456[161] (February 2012) NetOne Cellular (Pvt) Ltd (government)