
Angola has made significant investments in its telecommunications infrastructure in recent years. The country has a total of 4,900 kilometers of fiber-optic cables, which is a major improvement from the 1,900 kilometers present in 2015.
The fiber-optic cables have enabled the expansion of internet services across the country. Angola has a population of around 32 million people, and the internet penetration rate has increased significantly, with an estimated 30% of the population having access to the internet.
The expansion of telecommunications services has also led to an increase in mobile phone subscriptions. In 2020, there were over 27 million mobile phone subscriptions in Angola, with the majority of these being prepaid plans.
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Telecommunications Infrastructure
Angola has made significant strides in developing its telecommunications infrastructure. 29 satellite earth stations were operational in 2009. Angola Telecom is also part of the West Africa Cable System (WACS) consortium, which provides connectivity to Europe and Asia through a submarine cable.
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Angola Cables, formed in 2009, operates fiber optic telecommunication systems and is involved in the construction of the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS). The ADONES (Angola Domestic Network System) consists of 1,800 kilometers of fiber-optic submarine cable linking eight Angolan coastal cities.
Here are some key statistics about Angola's telecommunications infrastructure:
- 303,200 fixed lines in 2011
- 13 million mobile cellular lines in 2011
Services and Products
Angola's telecommunications infrastructure has made significant strides in recent years. The country has a relatively low number of fixed lines, with only 303,200 in 2011, which translates to two lines per 100 persons.
Mobile cellular lines, on the other hand, have seen a surge in demand, with 13 million lines in 2011, equivalent to 65 lines per 100 persons. This growth has been driven by the increasing popularity of mobile phones in the country.
Angola Telecom, the state-owned telecom, held a monopoly on fixed-line telephone service until 2005, but since then, the market has opened up to private operators. Today, there are five fixed-line providers in the country.
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Angola's mobile-cellular network has also expanded significantly, with a privately owned provider entering the market in 2001. The country's international country code is 244, which is used for all international calls.
Mobile voice and data telecommunication services are widely available in Angola, with several providers offering a range of plans and packages to suit different needs and budgets.
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Radio
In Angola, radio broadcasting is a significant part of the country's telecommunications infrastructure. Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA) is the state-owned radio station that broadcasts on 5 stations.
Private radio stations also play a vital role in the country's media landscape, with roughly a half dozen stations broadcasting locally.
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Internet and ICT
The Internet has become an essential part of life in Angola, with a penetration rate of 16.9 percent in 2012, up from just over 3 percent in 2007. This growth is significant, especially considering the country's high poverty rate and poor infrastructure in rural areas.
Fixed-line broadband subscriptions are still relatively low, with a penetration rate of only 0.2 percent in 2012, mainly concentrated in the capital city, Luanda. Mobile Internet access is higher, at 1.5 percent, but still lags behind mobile phone penetration, which stands at 49 percent.
The Internet has also become a platform for political debate, with citizens using it to express discontent with the country's current state of affairs and launch digital activism initiatives. In 2012, Unitel launched the "E-Net" project, providing free Internet access for secondary school students across the country's 18 provinces.
Here are the main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Angola:
- ACS
- Cablelink - Telecomunicações, Lda
- Cmcinternet
- ITA - Internet Technologies Angola
- Multitel
- MVcomm
- NetOne
- TSOLNETWORKS
- TV-Cabo
- Vizocom
Television
In Angola, television has a relatively established presence. There are 6 television broadcast stations in the country.
The state-owned Televisão Pública de Angola (TPA) provides terrestrial TV service on two channels. TV subscription services are also available.
One notable fact is that in 1997, there were 150,000 televisions in the country. This number likely represents the population's growing interest in television at the time.
If you're planning to watch TV in Angola, you'll be happy to know that a third TPA channel is available via cable and satellite.
For more insights, see: Riga Radio and TV Tower
Internet and ICT
The internet has come a long way in Angola, with a penetration rate of 16.9% in 2012, up from just over 3% in 2007. This growth is a testament to the country's efforts to increase access to technology.
In 2012, there were 20,703 internet hosts in Angola, ranking the country 116th in the world. This is a significant increase from previous years, showing the growing demand for internet services.
The majority of internet users in Angola access the internet through mobile devices, with 5 million subscriptions in 2015. This is a huge leap from the 27,987 fixed broadband subscriptions available in 2012.
Despite the growth in internet access, fixed-line broadband subscriptions remain low, with a penetration rate of only 0.2% in 2012. This is largely due to the country's high poverty rate and poor infrastructure in rural areas.
Angola has made significant strides in providing internet access to its citizens, particularly in the education sector. The "E-Net" project launched in 2012 provided free internet access to over 18,000 students in secondary schools across the country.
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Here's a list of telecommunications companies and internet service providers in Angola:
- Angola Telecom, the state-owned telecommunications provider
- Itelnet
- MS Telcom, Sonangol owned provider, main focus on oil and gas sector
- Startel
- ACS
- Cablelink - Telecomunicações, Lda - Specialises in corporate Pay-when-you-use telecommunication services.
- cmcinternet covers majority of luanda and other areas with VSAT technologies
- ITA - Internet Technologies Angola, privately owned with a focus on corporate services
- Multitel, corporate focused ISP, subsidiary of Angola Telecom
- MVcomm
- NetOne, residential WiMAX services
- TSOLNETWORKS - Corporate Internet Service Provider focusing on Value Added Solutions
- TV-Cabo, residential TV and Internet services, subsidiary of Angola Telecom
- Vizocom
The internet has also become a platform for political debate and digital activism in Angola. Citizens have used social media tools to express discontent with the country's current state of affairs and to launch digital activism initiatives.
Market Analysis
The telecom sector in Angola has seen a significant transformation over the last two decades, with the government actively working to turn the country into a global telecommunication hub.
The mobile market remains the main focus of the telecom sector, with operators investing heavily in infrastructure expansion.
Angola's national telecommunications network is vast, with a strong increase in telecom subscribers necessitating network expansion to cover a wider area.
The fixed line market in Angola is highly underdeveloped, with the mobile segment dominating the market and causing a decline in fixed telephone lines.
Angola's investment in telecommunications infrastructure has also extended to the international market, with a heavy involvement in the global market.
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The government has supported programs to extend basic telephone services across the country, with extensive use of Wireless Local Loop (WLL) services.
Infrastructure sharing has been crucial for the faster rollout of base stations across Angola's vast interior.
Unitel holds over 60 percent of the market, with a significant increase in subscribers to 5 million in May 2009.
The company plans to expand its mobile service to 150 districts in 2009, taking the total coverage to 90%.
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Company Information
UNITEL SA was created by public deed on 30 December 1998. The company launched its GSM services in April 2001 and now covers all 18 provinces of the country and more than 100 municipalities. It has been extending its range of services since 2001, now including 3G with GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, and GSM.
Our company performance report would likely provide a detailed analysis of UNITEL SA's financial metrics, such as revenue, profit, and profit margin, giving a clear financial overview. This report would also assess the company's structure by identifying key subsidiaries and top industry competitors.
UNITEL SA's financial assessment would involve an in-depth income statement for financial evaluation and a credit analysis for evaluating creditworthiness.
Company Performance
The company's financial performance has been impressive, with revenue increasing by 25% in the last quarter.
This growth can be attributed to the company's strategic expansion into new markets, which has resulted in a significant boost to sales.
The company has a strong track record of profitability, with net income exceeding $1 million in the past year.
Its efficient operations and cost management have enabled the company to maintain a high profit margin of 15%.
The company's leadership team has been instrumental in driving this success, with a clear vision and strategy in place to guide the business forward.
This has led to a significant increase in employee engagement and motivation, with staff satisfaction ratings exceeding 90% in the past year.
The company's commitment to innovation has also paid off, with the launch of several new products and services that have resonated with customers.
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Company History
UNITEL SA was created by public deed on 30 December 1998.
The company launched its GSM services in April 2001, marking a significant milestone in its history.
UNITEL now covers all 18 provinces of the country and more than 100 municipalities.
Since 2001, the company has extended its range of services to include 3G with GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, and GSM.
By offering a wide range of services, UNITEL has been able to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
The company's expansion has also enabled it to reach a larger audience, making its services more accessible to people across the country.
Ownership of Business

Unitel's ownership structure is a unique blend of local and international investors. Portugal Telecom, a major telecommunications company, holds a significant stake in the company.
Sonangol, the Angolan state-owned oil company, and local firms Geni and Vidatel each own 25 percent of Unitel.
Government and Business
The government in Angola plays a significant role in the telecommunications sector. In 2009, the government approved Unitel's increased capital spending of around US$1.7 billion over four years, upgrading its infrastructure and expanding the mobile network.
Unitel's stakeholder, Isabel dos Santos, has a connection to the government through her father, President José Eduardo dos Santos. The Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM) was established in 1999 as an independent institution under the Ministry of Telecommunications.
A concessionary licence was granted to Unitel, whereas sealed bids were used for fixed-line operators. This shows the government's approach to regulating the telecommunications sector. Taxes on telecommunications include a 5% tax on communications revenues and a 20-25% sales tax on handsets.

The government is also planning to privatize Angola Telecom, a state-owned operator, by inviting international bidders to manage, operate, and expand its national and metropolitan transport backbone network. This move aims to take advantage of the private sector's know-how and align the public business sector with the government's strategy to make it more dynamic and profitable.
Financial and Services
In Angola, telecommunications services are a vital part of daily life, with many providers offering a range of options.
Mobile voice and data telecommunication services are widely available, allowing people to stay connected on-the-go.
Angola's telecommunications industry has grown significantly in recent years, making it easier for people to access services.
Providing mobile voice and data telecommunication services in Angola is a key part of the telecommunications landscape.
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Business Model
In Angola, telecommunications companies focus on providing innovative products and services to meet the growing demand for connectivity. This is crucial for economic growth and development in the country.
To achieve this, companies prioritize quality in service delivery, recognizing that a reliable network is essential for both individuals and businesses. Ensuring a seamless user experience is key to attracting and retaining customers.
The company designed a network evolution program to further improve its network quality and extend national radio coverage in the country. This initiative aims to bridge the gaps in rural areas and provide equal access to telecommunications services for all Angolans.
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