Mobile

[Gotravel]

Irancell (MTN), MCI, Iran Taliya and Rightel offer relatively cheap (60,000 rials) pre-paid SIM cards for international travellers. It is possible to buy recharge cards from all newsstands and supermarkets for 20,000-10,000 rials. These networks specially MCI and Irancell, works quite well in all cities and rural areas. GPRS and MMS is also available at very low prices, specially at night, for surfing the web or checking your email. WiFi with your mobile phone or tablet is a good option in Iran.

MCI and Irancell are another popular operators that cover most Iranian territory. Even in villages or borders, MCI and Irancell have GPRS and MMS as well. The recharge cards are 50,000 rials or 10,000 rials in value. The Taliya operator network is a bit weak. Kishcell and Isfahancell are operating in some region/locally only.
Now Rightel has got broadband network [3G] and have very cheap voice video conference calls rates.

You can readily access WiFi internet services (depending upon network availability) in many areas, and in all provinces.

[Guido]

Hi,

I've heard very mixed opinions regarding cell phone networks in Iran. Some say it's nearly impossible to use the internet on mobile devices because the connections are extremely slow? How is the current situation? I need at least to check my emails on a daily basis. Is it possible to use Skype - maybe with WiFi in a Hotel?

Are there any special steps needed to activate GPRS with a MTN prepaid card (beside the configuration of an access point) or is GPRS activated by default on any prepaid card.

Regards

Guido

[Mehdi]

Hi there,

Yes it is slow, of course not extremely. you can use it for checking your email or text messaging. Still we not have high speed GPRS in Iran.

It is active for all SIM, just need some simple config on your phone. If internet speed is important rightel and Irancell SIM are better.

You can use skype if have high speed internet like wi-fi