Mobile Phone Usage In Azerbaijan: What To Expect

Azerbaijan has a strong telecommunications sector, with 11 million subscribers and a 107% penetration rate as of 2014. The country has three major mobile operators: Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar (a brand of Azerfon). These operators offer 2G, 3G, and 4G services and have shops in major towns and cities where you can purchase a SIM card or get assistance. Most unlocked mobile phones can be used on roaming in Azerbaijan, although network charges will apply. To use a mobile phone in Azerbaijan, you will need to register your device and pay a fee, which depends on the market value of the phone.

Mobile phone operators in Azerbaijan

Mobile phone users in Azerbaijan can access 3G services and high-speed internet. In addition to GSM, there is also CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). The country has three major national GSM operators: Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar Mobile (by Azerfon).

Azercell

Azercell is Azerbaijan's largest mobile operator, with about 50% of all users. It covers 80% of the country's territory and 99% of the populated areas. It offers both prepaid and postpaid services. Its 2G/GSM network operates on 900 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz, and 4G/LTE on 1800 MHz (Band 3).

Bakcell

Bakcell is the second-largest mobile operator in Azerbaijan, with a 30% user share. It has good coverage in 2G and 3G throughout the country and offers 4G in Baku and Ganja. Its 2G/GSM network operates on 1800 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz, and 4G/LTE on 900 MHz (Band 8).

Nar Mobile/Azerfon

Nar Mobile, or Azerfon, is a relatively new mobile provider in Azerbaijan. It claims to reach 80% of the country's territory and has 4G/LTE coverage in Baku. Its 2G/GSM network operates on 1800 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz, and 4G/LTE on 1800 MHz (Band 3).

Other Operators

While Sazz and Baktelecom are two other operators in Azerbaijan, their 4G/LTE networks are very limited. They only offer wireless stationary internet in the Baku area and a few other provinces.

Additionally, there are CDMA-based networks, such as Aztrank and Nakhtel in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and Catel/Fonex, which offers a Wi-Fi network covering Baku, the Absheron Peninsula, and some other regions of Azerbaijan.

4G and 5G bands in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has made significant strides in its telecommunications sector, with widespread mobile and internet penetration. The country's mobile network infrastructure is supported by a combination of old Soviet-era technology and modern cellular networks, with a focus on GSM technology.

As of 2014, Azerbaijan had approximately 11 million mobile subscribers, with a penetration rate of 107%. The mobile operators cover about 80% of the national territory and provide services to around 52% of the population.

The country's mobile network operators include Azercell, Bakcell, Azerfon (Nar Mobile), Naxtel, and Sazz AzQtel (operating under the trade name AzQTel). These operators initially provided GSM services and gradually expanded to include 3G and 4G technologies.

When it comes to 4G and 5G bands in Azerbaijan, the following information is available:

• Azerbaijan's mobile networks use 2 GSM bands, 1 UMTS band, and 1 LTE band.
• The frequencies supported in Azerbaijan for 4G include B3 (1800) and B8 (900).
• The FDD uplink and downlink frequencies for 4G and 5G in Azerbaijan are as follows: FDD uplink (832-862 MHz, 880-915 MHz, 1710-1785 MHz, 1920-1980 MHz) and FDD downlink (791-821 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1805-1880 MHz, 2110-2170 MHz).

It is important to note that the supported frequency bands determine whether a handset is compatible with a specific network carrier. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your home service provider or local service providers in Azerbaijan for complete accuracy.

Buying a SIM card in Azerbaijan

Overview

Azerbaijan has three major national GSM operators: Nar Mobile (by Azerfon), Azercell, and Bakcell. All three operators provide 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services, with 5G currently in the testing phase.

Registration

The registration of a mobile device is mandatory in Azerbaijan. If you buy a phone from a local shop, the vendor will usually take care of the registration. However, if you are bringing your own device, you will need to register it. This can be done online in advance or at any post office in the country. The cost of registration depends on the market price of the device, ranging from AZN 15 to AZN 100.

SIM Card Options

Both fixed contracts and prepaid services are available from the three major operators.

Nar Mobile

Nar Mobile is a newer provider in Azerbaijan, claiming to reach 80% of the territory. Their prepaid SIM card, called NarSim, is available in their stores for AZN 5.

Azercell

Azercell is the largest mobile operator in Azerbaijan, covering 80% of the country's territory and 99% of populated areas. Their SIM card is sold for AZN 5 in their shops and outlets, and you will need to show your ID. Their prepaid SIMs are called SimSim and come in different tariff lines.

Bakcell

Bakcell is the second-largest provider in the market, with a 30% user share. It has good coverage in 2G and 3G throughout the country and started offering 4G in Baku and Ganja. Their prepaid SIM cards are called CIN and are available for AZN 5 in their stores. You will need to show your passport.

Top-Up Options

For all three providers, top-up vouchers or payment cards can be purchased at supermarkets, mini markets, mobile telephone shops, and newspaper kiosks.

Other Considerations

If you are planning to use your own device, make sure it is unlocked and compatible with the GSM frequencies used in Azerbaijan. Additionally, be aware that Azerbaijan maintains a register of all IMEI numbers, so your device will need to be declared and added to the whitelist.

Mobile phone registration in Azerbaijan

The registration of mobile phones in Azerbaijan is a mandatory procedure, without which phones are unable to access mobile networks.

Registration process

The registration of mobile devices can be done through the electronic government portal at e-gov.az, at the main office of Azerpoct LLC, or via e-GovPay terminals, which are mainly installed in some offices of Azerpoct LLC and telecommunications centres of state communication operators.

To register a mobile device, you must:

• Enter the appropriate section (MCQC)
• Specify the IMEI code of the device
• Fill in the necessary fields
• Make payment

The mobile device will be registered in the system within 24 hours.

Documents required

To register a mobile phone, citizens must present:

• A copy of their ID
• The telephone for inspection
• The phone brand, model, and IMEI code

Cost of registration

The cost of registering the IMEI code of a mobile device is five Azerbaijani manats for personal use and 1.6 manats for commercial sale. For mobile devices purchased or delivered from abroad, citizens will have to pay anywhere from AZN 30 to 150 (between USD 17 and 88), depending on the market value of the phone.

Time limit

Mobile devices imported for private use must be registered within 30 days.

Roaming in Azerbaijan

If you are visiting Azerbaijan, you may be wondering if your mobile phone will work there. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Mobile Networks in Azerbaijan

There are four main mobile network operators in Azerbaijan: Azercell, Bakcell, Nar Mobile, and Aztrank. All of these providers offer 2G, 3G, and 4G services. However, 4G/LTE coverage is still being expanded across the country, so you may not have access to 4G in all areas.

Roaming Charges

If you plan to use your mobile phone with an international number while in Azerbaijan, be prepared for roaming charges. Roaming can be expensive, so it is recommended that you check with your service provider before your trip to understand the costs involved.

Buying a Local SIM Card

If you want to avoid roaming charges, you can consider purchasing a local SIM card in Azerbaijan. There are a few things to keep in mind when doing this:

• You will need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card.
• Only buy SIM cards from official stores and not from street vendors, as these may be unregistered or linked to another person.
• Each individual, including visitors, can have up to five SIM cards registered to their name.
• Azerbaijan has implemented an IMEI registration scheme, which means that if you plan to use an Azerbaijani SIM card for more than 30 days, you will need to register your phone with the authorities. This can be done online or at a post office for a small fee.
• Failing to register your phone within 30 days of using an Azerbaijani SIM card may result in your phone being blocked from any network.

Recommended Providers

When choosing a local provider in Azerbaijan, it is recommended to consider Azercell or Bakcell, as they have the largest coverage and the fastest speeds in the country. Nar Mobile is also an option, but they have slightly lower coverage in some remote areas.

Frequently asked questions