Mauritius Network Coverage

Mauritius's mobile telecommunications sector developed rapidly in the 1990s and early 2000s as GSM networks spread across the island, connecting Port Louis and other cities and coastal regions. The market was liberalized in the 1990s, allowing multiple operators to compete and driving rapid network expansion and service innovation. International operators like Orange entered the market, bringing investment and expertise that helped modernize infrastructure alongside local operators. Despite Mauritius's small size and island geography, operators worked to provide comprehensive coverage. GSM networks quickly spread across the country, followed by 3G deployments in the 2000s that brought mobile internet to Mauritian consumers. 4G LTE networks were launched in the early 2010s, with operators achieving near-universal coverage relatively quickly thanks to Mauritius's compact size and high population density in urban areas. The country became an early adopter of 5G technology in Africa, with commercial services launching in 2021 and rapid expansion to cover virtually the entire population by the early 2020s. Mauritius's high per-capita income, tech-savvy population and government support for digital transformation have driven strong demand for advanced mobile services, making it one of the most advanced mobile markets in Africa.

Mauritius's mobile market today is served by two highly competitive operators – Orange Mauritius and Emtel – both operating extensive 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks that cover virtually the entire population. 4G LTE coverage is near-universal, while 5G networks cover the entire country, including urban areas, coastal regions and even remote locations despite Mauritius's island geography. Network speeds are among the fastest in Africa, with operators deploying advanced technologies such as massive MIMO, carrier aggregation and millimeter-wave spectrum to deliver exceptional performance. The market is characterized by high mobile penetration (over 125% due to multi-SIM usage), high smartphone adoption and strong demand for mobile data services, making mobile broadband accessible to virtually the entire population. Mobile networks support a wide range of applications, from e-government services and mobile banking to e-commerce and business services, contributing to Mauritius's reputation as one of Africa's most digitally advanced countries. The country's position as a regional technology hub, combined with its advanced mobile infrastructure, enables innovative digital services and positions Mauritius as a leader in mobile technology adoption and network quality. Mauritius's well-developed mobile infrastructure, combined with its strategic location and thriving digital economy, positions it well to leverage advanced connectivity for continued economic growth and innovation, supporting everything from digital services to smart infrastructure and regional digital initiatives.