In Oman, mobile internet is essential for getting around, looking up attractions, and staying in touch. That makes a big difference for hassle-free travel. You’ll learn about the benefits of both local SIM cards and eSIMs in this tutorial, along with how to stay connected during your time in Oman.
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet Coverage and Speed in Oman
Oman’s major carriers have made significant investments to provide residents and visitors with fast and dependable mobile internet, as the country is ranked among the best in the world for both coverage and connectivity speed.
1. Oman Mobile Internet Coverage
Mobile internet usage in Oman is particularly easy to find hence making it easy to stay connected. Here’s what you can expect (according to the Opensignal Report 2024):
- Omantel has the best coverage overall, as evidenced by its win of the new Coverage Experience award. It scored 8.4 out of 10 on the coverage metric, 0.4 points higher than second-placed Ooredoo.
- Omantel is also the leader in 5G coverage which won the 5G Coverage Experience award with a score of 4 points. Ooredoo was second with 2.9 points, while Vodafone had the lowest 5G coverage at 1.2 points.
- In terms of overall network availability, which measures the percentage of time users have a mobile connection, Ooredoo and Vodafone tied in first place with scores of 98.5-98.7%. Omantel was slightly behind at 98.1%.
In summary, Omantel leads the way in overall mobile network coverage in Oman at present, while all operators still have work to do to significantly expand the availability of 5G across the country according to this report.
2. Oman Mobile Internet Speed
Here is an examination of Oman’s mobile internet performance data (according to the Speedtest Global Index) that provides insights into the country’s rankings globally and in the region, as well as speed variations across different cities within Oman.
National Ranking
- In April 2024, Oman ranked 40th globally for median mobile download speeds of 135.02 Mbps. This was an improvement from ranking 38th the previous month.
- Oman performed better than Saudi Arabia (rank 47, downloads 123 Mbps) and Yemen (rank 90, downloads 27 Mbps). However, UAE had faster speeds (rank 27, downloads 246 Mbps).
City Ranking
- Muscat and Salalah typically see the highest speeds. In April 2022, Muscat’s median mobile download speed was 138 Mbps while Salalah recorded 131 Mbps.
- Rural areas tend to have lower speeds as 3G networks still dominate in some regions. However, 4G expansion and initial 5G rollout are helping boost speeds nationwide.
- Both mobile and fixed broadband speeds have been steadily increasing year-on-year in Oman due to network investments and upgrading to newer technologies
II. Mobile Internet in Oman: Connectivity options for tourists
Traveling to Oman and staying connected easily with our recommendations below. Here are the top options for visitors to stay connected in Oman:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Price Range (USD) |
| Free Wi-Fi | Widely available in tourist areas, airports Free cost | Limited speed and reliability. May require frequent logins. Not secure for sensitive transactions. | Free |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Convenient to share the internet with multiple devices. Fast and reliable connection. | Requires daily rental fee. May need to pick up and return the device. Battery life can be limited. | $5-10 per day |
| eSIM | Convenient – purchase and activate before arrival. Multiple data plans are available. No need to swap SIM cards! | Limited availability compared to physical SIM cards. Not all phones support eSIM technology yet. | $5-35 per packages |
| SIM Card | An affordable option for longer stays. Widely available at airports and convenience stores. Multiple data plans to choose from. | Requires phone unlock and potential SIM tray swap. May require real-name registration. | $10-25 per package |
| Roaming | No need to purchase a new SIM or eSIM. Works with your existing phone number. | Potentially high data charges depending on the plan Limited data allowances are common. | Highly Variable |
In summary, buying a local SIM card or using an eSIM is the best option to stay connected in Oman. Both of the two options offer a good balance of affordability (compared to pocket wifi and roaming) and convenience (wide availability, multiple data plans) while still providing a fast and reliable connection.
Buying a local SIM card still is a popular choice with Oman tourists, but for a fast and convenience, visitors should consider getting an eSIM.
If you are looking for information on how to buy a SIM card in Oman, check our guide Oman SIM Cards The Comprehensive Gude for Travelers to get more insights!
III. Budgeting for Mobile Data Costs in Oman
Learning more about Oman and getting ready for the trip to this country; it is timely to know, how much is going to be enough for mobile internet usage. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:
- Short Trips (3-5 Days): 5 GB of data is more than enough for a brief escape where one employs maps, translation, social media, and other basic activities. Consider the Oman eSIM 7-day plan from Esimoman.com which provides 1GB for just $5.
- Long Trips (2+ Weeks): If you plan on traveling and partaking in an extended safari, it is advisable to subscribe for a larger bundle. To avoid such inconveniences, we recommend you use our Oman 30 Days Plan offering 3-30 GB of data starting from $11.9, so you can watch movies, post on social networks, or call your relatives in Oman.
This way, the usage of data and other services is well-balanced, so that the traveler can communicate as much as needed throughout the journey across Oman without worrying about the cost. Consider using eSIM plans from esimoman.com which offers diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals.
Find the best options for your trip below:
Plan that may interest you
IV. Best mobile operators in Oman
Oman boasts a competitive mobile market with several reliable operators. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, data needs, and travel style. There is some factors to consider:
| Network | Omantel | Ooredoo | Vodafone Oman |
| Coverage | 5G coverage is mainly focused on Muscat’s capital, and major cities: Sohar, Sur, Nizwa, and Salah. The remaining areas are primarily covered by 4G from Omantel, with 5G coverage not fully reaching all regions yet. | 5G coverage is still very limited and primarily focused in the capital Muscat. The rest of the country is still largely reliant on 4G/3G networks, while 5G deployment remains sparse and limited to only a few major urban centers. | Covers major cities and industrial areas. Improving rural networks. |
| Speedtest median download speed (Mobile) | 41,1 Mbps (Q1 2024) | 36 Mbps (1Q1 2024) | 50,3 Mbps (Q1 2024) |
| Prepaid brand | Hayyak | Hala | RED/BLACK |
| Pros | Reliable networks throughout the country. Affordable basic plans. | Advanced 4G+ and 5G networks in major areas. Large selection of plans and bundles. | Attractive bundled plans with data rollover, streaming benefits and discounts. |
| Cons | Older 3G+ network in some rural areas. Customer service needs improvement. | More expensive plans compared to competitors. Slow expansion of coverage in remote areas. | Network coverage still developing compared to other operators. |
| Price ranges | Prepaid plans from $3. | Prepaid SIM + $3 top-up. | Prepaid packs from $3. |
For a seamless connection with the widest reach, Omantel is a great choice. Ooredoo offers budget-friendly plans and innovative services. Vodafone Oman caters to value-conscious travelers in major cities. Consider your priorities to find the perfect Omani mobile operator for your adventure.
V. FAQs
What’s the best way to access mobile internet in Oman?
The use of local SIM cards (or eSIMs) is the cheapest option that can provide a good network and data usage. It is pertinent to consider choices that are offered by cable operators such as Omantel or Ooredoo.
Consider using eSIM from esimoman.com which offers diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals with affordable prices.
How much data do I need for my Omantrip?
It depends! Ok, if we consider the most apparent missions, 5 GB suffice for short tours (3-5 days). For longer periods, it is recommended to allocate about 20GB+ if one intends to use video streaming or social networking programs frequently.
Which network providers are available?
The main three mobile operators are Ooredoo, Omantel, and Vodafone Oman. All have extensive 4G coverage nationwide but speeds may vary in different locations
Can I buy a SIM card or an eSIM online?
Yes, you can buy a local SIM card or an eSIM online before your Oman trip. For a fast and reliable connection, consider using eSIM from esimoman.com which offers diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals.
VI. Conclusions
In summary, Oman presents visitors with several options to stay connected which helps visitors enhance their Oman experience. Compare to these options: free WiFi, roaming, buy a local SIM card, get an eSIM, and find out which options is the best for your traveling goals.
Consider buying an eSIM or local SIM card for a fast and reliable connection. With the right mobile data plan, you can spend more time enjoying Oman without worrying about internet access!
