Telecommunications in Cape Verde Overview

Cape Verde has a relatively well-developed telecommunications sector.

The country has two main mobile network operators, Cabo Verde Telecom and Unitel, which provide a wide range of services including voice, data, and internet.

Cabo Verde Telecom is the incumbent operator and offers a range of services including fixed and mobile telephony, as well as internet and television.

The country has a high mobile penetration rate, with over 80% of the population owning a mobile phone.

Cape Verde has invested heavily in its telecommunications infrastructure, with a number of undersea cables connecting the country to the rest of the world.

This has enabled the country to provide high-speed internet to its citizens, with speeds of up to 1 Gbps available in some areas.

The country's telecommunications sector has been liberalized, allowing private companies to operate in the market and increasing competition.

This has led to a decrease in prices and an increase in the quality of services provided to consumers.

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In Cape Verde, communication services are provided by two major companies: Cabo Verde Telecom and Unitel T+, which offer landline and mobile services with good coverage in most populated areas.

You can easily purchase a SIM card for approximately 100 Escudos (about €1) from international airports, shops, or street vendors, making it an affordable option for staying connected.

Make sure your phone is unlocked to use a local SIM card, as this will allow you to utilize local services effectively.

Cape Verde has a reliable telecommunication infrastructure, with two major providers offering landline and mobile services: Cabo Verde Telecom and Unitel T+.

The country code for Cape Verde is +238, making it easy to stay connected with family and friends back home. You can purchase a local SIM card for approximately 100 Escudos (about €1), a very affordable option.

You'll need an unlocked phone to use a local SIM card, so be sure to check with your provider before traveling. This will allow you to take advantage of local services and rates.

Mobile data coverage can be uneven in rural areas, but you can still find reliable internet access in urban and tourist areas, as well as in many cafes and restaurants.

If you're planning a longer stay or need consistent internet access, consider acquiring a prepaid mobile SIM card from CV Móvel or Unitel T+. Data packages are available, with options like a 5000 MB plan for about 1000 ECV (€10).

In 2023, there were approximately 590,354 mobile subscribers in Cape Verde, a significant increase from previous years.

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Cape Verde has a relatively small but diverse television market, with three stations available, including one state-owned and three foreign-owned.

One of the state-owned stations is RTC - TCV, which has been a staple in the country's media landscape.

The foreign-owned stations include RTI Cabo Verde, launched by the Portuguese-based RTI in 2005, and Record Cabo Verde, launched by the Brazilian-based Rede Record in 2007.

TV CPLP is another network that has been broadcasting in Cape Verde since 2016, and some of its programs are also available on the country's television stations.

Premium channels like Boom TV and Zap Cabo Verde, both owned by Brazil's Record, are also available in Cape Verde, although their availability is limited, mostly in hotels and villas.

RDP África, the African version of the Portuguese radio station RDP, is another premium channel that can be found in Cape Verde, particularly on satellite networks.

The media is operated by the Capeverdean News Agency (Inforpress), which also oversees the country's news and broadcasting services.

Here are some of the nationwide radio stations available in Cape Verde:

Local radio stations include Rádio Praia, the first radio station in Cape Verde, and Praia FM, the first FM station in the nation.

Cape Verde's telecommunications industry has grown significantly in recent years. With a population of just over 550,000, the country has a relatively small but rapidly growing market.

The country's main telecommunications provider is Cabo Verde Telecom, which offers a range of services including mobile phone coverage and internet access.

The number of mobile phone subscribers in Cape Verde has increased from 250,000 in 2015 to over 1.2 million in 2020.

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Cabo Verde Telecom has launched a major project to upgrade the country's telecommunications infrastructure. The CSII4 - Design, Supply, and Installation of six Segments Submarine Cable System is expected to begin in August 2025, with commissioning expected by June 2026.

The project involves the design and engineering services, execution of a detailed cable route study, comprehensive marine surveys, provision of submarine and terrestrial cables, and oversight of the installation and testing phases. Bids must be submitted by February 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM Cape Verde local time.

Cabo Verde Telecom is the major service provider in the country, offering a range of services including fiber-optic Internet access and ISDN services. The company has a fiber-optic ring that links all islands, providing Internet access.

The country has a relatively high number of mobile cellular subscribers, with 496,900 mobile cellular subscriptions in 2011. This is a significant number, considering the country's population.

Here's a brief overview of the international submarine cables landing in Praia, Cabo Verde:

The country's telecommunications infrastructure has undergone significant modernization since 1996-2000, with the introduction of cellular service in 1998 and broadband services in 2004.