The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. When arriving in the Maldives, one of the important things to know about is the mobile operators available.
Here is an overview of the top mobile providers in the country and what services they offer
Table of Contents
I. List of Mobile Operators in Maldives
There are 2 main mobile network operators in Maldives:
- Ooredoo: Largest operator with over 60% market share. Offers 4G/LTE coverage to over 190 inhabited islands. Provides mobile, broadband and PayTV services.
- Dhiraagu: Second largest operator with around 35% market share. Uses 3G and 4G technology across major islands. Also offers fixed line, broadband and IPTV.
II. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operator in Maldives
Here are some tips on choosing the best mobile operator in Maldives for your needs:
- Coverage – Check coverage maps to see which operators have the best coverage for the islands you’ll be visiting. Dhiraagu currently has the most extensive coverage.
- Speeds – Dhiraagu and Ooredoo offer 4G/LTE in populated islands for faster data.
- Prices – Compare prepaid data packages and rates between operators. Ooredoo and Raajje tend to offer cheaper rates.
- Roaming – Some operators offer better international roaming rates. Dhiraagu provides roaming on Batelco and selected partners.
- Customer service – Ask locals or look up reviews to compare customer service reputations.
III. Best Mobile Operators in Maldives – Detailed Comparison
Here is a more detailed overview of the major mobile operators in Maldives and their offerings:
Mobile Operators in Maldives
| Criteria | Ooredoo | Dhiraagu |
| Coverage and speeds | 4G coverage to over 190 islands. Average speeds up to 75Mbps. Commenced 5G rollout. | 4G coverage across major islands. Average speeds up to 30Mbps. |
| English support | Full English support across website, apps, and customer service. | Limited English support mainly through chat/email. |
| Prices and plans | Competitively priced plans from $10-30/month. Offers 30-day holiday SIMs. | Slightly higher priced plans than Ooredoo from $15-40/month. |
| Other factors | Largest network with over 60% market share. Widest range of consumer/business plans. Most retail outlets. | Second largest network with around 35% share. Also offers fixed line & broadband internet services. |
In summary, Ooredoo has the most expansive 4G network across the Maldives with faster speeds on average. It provides full multilingual support including English and offers a variety of mobile plans for travelers as well as residents.
While Dhiraagu has a sizeable network too, its coverage and speeds are relatively less compared to Ooredoo. English support is also more limited, making Ooredoo the better choice for international travelers visiting the Maldives.
IV. Where to Buy SIM Card from Maldives Mobile Operators?
You can easily purchase SIM cards from the mobile operators in Maldives:
- At arrival airport counters in Male’ – Dhiraagu and Ooredoo have counters at Velana International Airport.
- Official retail stores – Located across tourist islands and population centers.
- Resorts – Some resorts sell or rent out local SIM cards to guests.
- Online – Dhiraagu provides option to order SIM card online before arrival.
When purchasing, you’ll need to provide passport copy and fill Know-Your-Customer (KYC) form. Activation can take up to 24 hours.
V. Do Mobile Operators in Maldives Offer eSIM?
eSIM allows accessing mobile networks without physical SIM card. eSIM in Maldives:
- Ooredoo: It was the first operator to launch eSIM support in the Maldives in 2019. Their eSIM services can be activated through Ooredoo stores and kiosks located across the country. Visitors can purchase an eSIM plan before their trip and install it directly on compatible devices.
- Dhiraagu: They also provides eSIM options for postpaid and prepaid customers. Their eSIM packages can be activated through Dhiraagu stores, online accounts or via an OTP
Purchasing an eSIM Maldives plan from GIGAGO for your trip is an excellent option for staying connected. with GIGAGO’s reliable Ooredoo network eSIM plans ranging from 20GB to 30GB over 30 days, you’ll have plenty of data to easily view maps, translate, make calls on WhatsApp and stay in touch with home without worrying about high roaming fees.
Let’s take a look at their plans:
VI. FAQs
Which mobile operator has the best coverage in Maldives?
Dhiraagu currently has the most extensive 2G, 3G, 4G coverage across Maldives given its longstanding presence. Ooredoo coverage is also expanding quickly.
Which operator is cheapest in Maldives?
Ooredoo also has cheap prepaid voice and data rates compared to traditional operator Dhiraagu.
Can I use my phone from home in Maldives?
Some international phones are compatible to work on Maldives networks. But best to check band support and unlock status before travel. Easier to purchase local SIM card with nationwide coverage.
Do operators offer monthly plans in Maldives?
Yes, the major operators offer both prepaid and postpaid (contract) options. Postpaid plans are 1-2 year contracts with monthly access fees. Prepaid has no contract but must top-up regularly.
How long does it take to activate SIM card in Maldives?
After providing documents, it can take up to 24 hours for standard SIM activation. Consider eSIM Maldives activation is instant after setup.
VII. Conclusion
In summary, Dhiraagu is the powerhouse mobile operator in Maldives with excellent coverage and speeds. Ooredoo is a newer option growing quickly, focused on affordable prepaid services. To choose the best operator, consider which islands you’ll be visiting, your usage needs, budgets and device capabilities.
Also look into eSIM Maldives as an convenient option. With some research, you can find the right mobile operator in Maldives to stay conveniently connected throughout your visit.
