Telecommunications in Mongolia Infrastructure and Services

Mongolia's telecommunications infrastructure has made significant progress in recent years, with a growing number of mobile subscribers and improved internet access.

The country's mobile penetration rate has increased, with over 80% of the population now using mobile phones.

Mongolia's largest mobile operator, MobiCom, offers a range of services including voice, data, and SMS, with coverage extending to rural areas.

Internet access is also becoming more widespread, with the country's internet penetration rate reaching around 50%.

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Mongolia has made significant progress in its telecommunications infrastructure. A fiber-optic network has been installed to improve broadband and communication services between major urban centers.

Multiple companies provide inter-city fiber-optic cable services, making it easier to stay connected. The country also has 7 satellite earth stations, including Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region), Intelsat, and Asiasat-1.

International overland connectivity is provided through the Europe-Russia-Mongolia-China (ERMC) cable system.

Mongolia's telecommunications infrastructure is a mixed bag. The country has made significant strides in modernizing its core internet infrastructure, especially in urban areas.

International direct dialing is available in many areas, and a fiber-optic network has been installed to improve broadband and communication services between major urban centers. Multiple companies provide inter-city fiber-optic cable services.

A satellite earth station is located in the Indian Ocean Region, and there are also Intelsat and Asiasat-1 satellites. Additionally, the Europe-Russia-Mongolia-China (ERMC) cable system provides international overland connectivity.

Urban centers like Ulaanbaatar have extensive internet infrastructure, with high-capacity fiber routes and microwave relay towers connecting urban networks together. The city is also connected to the global internet via terrestrial fiber links through neighboring countries' networks.

Rural areas, however, face sparse coverage, with cellular networks covering only 23.8% of Mongolia's habitable land area. To improve rural connectivity, the government and operators have invested in creative solutions, such as microwave radio links and VSAT satellite terminals.

The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) subsidizes telecom expansion into sparsely populated areas, and between 2010 and 2013, USOF-funded projects extended mobile network access to 42 soums and 35 remote settlements in 18 provinces.

Here are some key statistics on Mongolia's telecommunications infrastructure:

In Ulaanbaatar, there are 20 FM radio stations available, including foreign stations like BBC World Service and VOA.

The city's most powerful longwave broadcasting station is located there, with a massive 1000 KW output.

As of 2008, over 100 radio stations were available in the country, including some 20 via repeaters for the public broadcaster.

In 1997, there were a staggering 360,000 radios in use across the country.

Ulaanbaatar also receives transmissions from multiple international broadcasters, giving residents access to a wide range of programming.

Mongolia has a relatively underdeveloped telecommunications sector, but it's improving rapidly. The country has a total of 385,000 fixed lines in use, which is a small number compared to other countries.

The majority of fixed-line phones are in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, and the number of fixed-line phones is slowly decreasing. Mobile phones, on the other hand, are very popular in Mongolia, with 4.3 million mobile-cellular lines in use.

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There are several mobile phone operators in Mongolia, including Unitel, Mobicom Corporation, Skytel, and G-Mobile. Unitel is the largest mobile operator, followed by Mobicom Corporation.

Here are some of the key players in Mongolia's telecommunications sector:

Mongolia Telecom Company is also an important player in the sector, providing WLL (Wireless Local Loop) services in several aimags.

Mongolia has a relatively small number of fixed landline phones, with 385,000 in use as of 2019, ranking 102nd in the world.

The country has two landline telephone companies: Mongolia Telecom Company (MTC) and the Mongolian Railway Authority. MTC is a joint venture with Korea Telecom and partially publicly owned.

MTC leases fiber-optic lines from the Mongolian Railway Authority and connects to all aimags and soums. The majority of MTC subscribers are in Ulaanbaatar.

Mobile phones are extremely popular in Mongolia, with 4.3 million mobile-cellular lines in use as of 2019, ranking 127th in the world. The international dialing code for Mongolia is +976.

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There are several mobile phone operators in Mongolia, including Unitel, G-Mobile, Mobicom Corporation, Skytel, and ONDO.

Here's a brief overview of the major mobile phone operators in Mongolia:

Mobicom Corporation covers Ulaanbaatar and areas near the city, with 13,400 users. Skytel covers Ulaanbaatar and rural Mongolia, with 22,000 users.

In Mongolia, you've got several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from. The main players include Information Communications Network LLC /NETCOM/, Gemnet LLC, Mobicom Networks LLC, MT Networks, Unitel, and Skytel.

Some of the notable ISPs in the country include Mongolia Telecom Company, Univision, Boldsoft, Digicom, Mobinet, Magicnet, Micom, Bodicom, Skymedia, Yokozunanet, Citinet, HOMENET, and G-mobilenet.

DDishTV LLC provides VSAT Internet connections, especially in rural areas of Mongolia. Incomnet LLC offers data communications network services throughout Mongolia, as well as satellite telephone call and satellite Internet services in remote areas.

Here are some of the major ISPs and their market share in Mongolia:

Isatcom LLC, a national satellite provider in Mongolia, offers VSAT Internet connections and VPN network for organizations in rural areas of Mongolia.

In Mongolia, you have several options for broadband access. Internet service providers (ISPs) like Information Communications Network LLC /NETCOM/ and Gemnet LLC offer various services.

You can choose from a range of ISPs, including Mobicom Networks LLC, MT Networks, Unitel, and Skytel. These providers offer internet services in urban areas.

In rural areas, DDishTV LLC provides VSAT Internet connections, especially in rural areas. This service is useful for those living in remote locations.

Some ISPs offer additional services, such as Incomnet LLC, which provides data communications network services throughout Mongolia. It also offers satellite telephone call and satellite Internet services in remote areas.

Isatcom LLC, a national satellite provider, offers VSAT Internet connections and VPN network for organizations in rural areas. It also sells solar energy equipment.

Here's a list of some of the ISPs mentioned:

Mongolia's telecommunications landscape is dominated by a few key players, with Univision LLC leading the market with about 62% share, followed by MobiCom Corporation with roughly 15% share. The country's internet market is relatively concentrated, which has historically limited competition.

Mongolia Telecom Company, also known as Information Communications Network LLC or NetCo, was established in 1992 and is primarily state-owned, with the majority of shares retained by the government. South Korean telecommunications operator, KT, owns a 40% stake in the company.

Some of the major telecommunications providers in Mongolia include:

Telecom in Mongolia is a story of rapid growth and adoption. The country's first mobile services began in the mid-1990s, with MobiCom launching GSM service in 1996.

Telecom Mongolia, also known as Mongolia Telecom Company (MTC), was established in 1992 following a restructuring of the Ministry of Communications from the Communist era and the privatization of phone services.

Today, MTC is primarily state-owned, with the majority of shares retained by the government, while South Korean telecommunications operator, KT, owns a 40% stake in the company.

Mobile connectivity is the primary way most Mongolians access the internet, with mobile subscription rates extremely high, reaching 147.8% of the population as of early 2024.

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The rollout of 4G LTE began in the mid-2010s, with Unitel being the first to introduce 4G LTE in April 2016, followed by other carriers like MobiCom, Skytel, and G-Mobile.

As of 2024, 4G networks cover all major cities and many smaller towns, with Unitel's network covering about 88% of Mongolia's population.

However, the country's mobile focus is firmly on 4G/5G now, with the vast majority of Mongolians accessing the internet via smartphones on 3G/4G, and the transition to 5G is underway.

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G-Mobile is a 100% Mongolian-owned mobile network operating in Mongolia, founded in April 2006. It brought 3G services to the nation in 2008.

G-Mobile's network operates on the 450 MHz CDMA2000 frequency, which is unique to the company. This frequency allows for reliable and fast internet connectivity in rural areas.

G-Mobile's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a popular choice among Mongolian mobile users.

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Mongolian National Broadcaster is the official state-funded television channel in Mongolia. It's a great source of local news and entertainment.

You can also subscribe to Premier Sports Network (PSN), the dominant sports brand in Mongolia. They offer a wide range of sports programming, making them a great choice for sports enthusiasts.

C1, Channel 25, Eagle TV, Edutainment TV (Боловсрол суваг), ETV, Mongol TV, New Mongol TV, NTV, SBN, TV5, TV8, TV9, and Ulaanbaatar Broadcasting System (UBS) are some of the other notable television providers in Mongolia.

DDishTV LLC offers a unique service, broadcasting major Mongolian channels and some international channels throughout Mongolia and to other Asian countries via Ku-Band Satellite. This requires a special dish and box.

Here are some of the television providers available in Mongolia:

Mongolia's telecommunications market is dominated by a few key players. Univision LLC leads with about 62% of the market share.

One of the largest Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country is Univision, which offers fiber-optic broadband and IPTV services. This broad market reach allows Univision to reach a large number of customers.

MobiCom Corporation is the second-largest ISP, with roughly 15% share. MobiCom is a pioneer in Mongolian telecommunications and operates both mobile networks and internet services.

The mobile sector is also dominated by a few key players, with MobiCom and Unitel together accounting for the majority of mobile subscribers. In 2014, MobiCom had ~39.5% and Unitel ~35.5% of the mobile market.

Here's a breakdown of the market share by providers:

In Mongolia, efforts have been made to increase internet access in rural areas. Citizens Information Service Centers (CISC) have been established in Ulaanbataar and six Aimags, allowing nomadic rural populations to receive internet access.

The Asian Development Bank has an initiative to develop ICT technologies to boost access to high-quality education for disadvantaged and remote populations in Mongolia. This initiative aims to improve access to information for about 10,000 students at 36 schools.

The Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) was established in 2004 to coordinate and facilitate the ICT development in Mongolia.

In Mongolia, there are various initiatives to improve internet access, especially in rural areas. The Citizens Information Service Centers (CISC) have been set up in Ulaanbataar and six Aimags to provide internet access to nomadic populations.

Many libraries and schools offer internet access, and some mobile providers travel between rural areas to provide this service. This is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural Mongolia.

The Asian Development Bank has an initiative to develop ICT technologies to boost access to education for disadvantaged populations. This project aims to use newer technologies to improve access to information for about 10,000 students at 36 schools.

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The Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) was established under the Prime Minister of Mongolia in 2004 to coordinate and facilitate ICT development.

The ICT Authority worked intensively to develop policies and regulatory frameworks for the ICT sector in Mongolia.

In 2008, the Government Resolution no. 64 restructured the ICT Authority into the Information, Communications, Technology and Post Authority (ICTPA).

ICTPA has formulated several key laws, including the Draft Law on Information Security and the Draft Law on Information & Communications.

The Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) is an independent Mongolian Government regulatory agency established by the Communications Act of 2001.

The CRC regulates and supervises a wide range of subjects, including competition issues and the provision of networks and services for telecommunications.

The CRC's jurisdiction covers each region of Mongolia.

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Mongolia has rapidly adopted new mobile technologies, with mobile connectivity being the primary way most people access the internet. The country's first mobile services began in the mid-1990s, and by the late 2000s, four operators were competing, leading to quick upgrades to 3G networks.

Unitel launched a 3G network in 2009, followed by other carriers, enabling mobile internet on smartphones. Within a few years, 3G coverage spread to the majority of population centers.

Today, 4G networks cover all major cities and many smaller towns, with Unitel's network covering about 88% of the population. Mobile subscription rates are very high, with 5.13 million mobile connections, equivalent to 147.8% of the population, as of early 2024.

Mongolia's mobile network has come a long way, with 3G services launching in 2009 and 4G LTE introduced in 2016. By 2021, about 84% of Mongolians were online, largely thanks to mobile data services.

Mobile subscription rates are extremely high, with 5.13 million mobile connections as of early 2024, equivalent to 147.8% of the population. This means many people have multiple SIMs or data devices.

The rollout of 4G LTE began in the mid-2010s, with Unitel being the first to introduce it in April 2016. Today, 4G networks cover all major cities and many smaller towns.

Unitel's network, which covers 2G/3G/4G, now reaches about 88% of Mongolia's population, while MobiCom boasts a similarly extensive reach. This high population coverage far exceeds land area coverage, reflecting that networks reach people where they live.

The country is now on the cusp of the 5G era, with Unitel installing the country's first 5G trial base station in central Ulaanbaatar in September 2022.

In Mongolia, the use of satellite communications for telecom services has a long history.

The country's first satellite earth station was installed in Ulaanbaatar in 1991 to establish international telecom services with Hong Kong.

The earth station, named "NARAN", was used to transmit national television programs throughout Mongolia.

National TV programs were initially broadcast through the Asiasat satellite from 1991 to 1997.

The transmission of national TV programs was later shifted to the Intelsat satellite in 1998, after Mongolia Telecom signed an Operating Agreement with Intelsat.

This marked a significant milestone in the country's satellite communications history, as it became Intelsat's 142nd Signatory.

The use of digital technology for satellite television broadcasting in Mongolia began in 2005, with the broadcast of four television programs on Intelsat 704.

This was a major step forward, as it introduced the DVB-S standard for satellite television broadcasting in the country.

Today, many companies in Mongolia have established VSAT networks to provide telecom services throughout the country.

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The VSAT system is also frequently used for the backhaul network between BSC and cellular network base stations.

The Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technology of the Mongolian University of Science and Technology plays a crucial role in preparing engineers and professionals in the field of satellite communications.

The Government of Mongolia has set a strategic goal to launch a compact and multi-purpose space communication satellite by 2015.

This satellite will create an Internet transmission back-up exit in a geo-constant location allocated to Mongolia by the ITU.

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The telecommunications market in Mongolia is quite interesting. The country has a national telecommunications company called Telecom Mongolia, which provides a range of services.

Mongolia also has a national fiber optic backbone network provider called Information Communications Network LLC, which suggests that the country is investing in modern infrastructure.

The national satellite communications company is Incomnet LLC, which is responsible for providing satellite-based services.

There are no government restrictions on access to the Internet, but there are reports of government surveillance and e-mail account monitoring.

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