Internet, phone and TV in Mauritius: a guide for expats [2025 Edition]
Stay connected in Mauritius: An overview of internet, telephone and television service providers in Mauritius
Mauritius continues to develop reliable, secure, and modern telecommunications infrastructure. With the deployment of fibre optics and 5G, the two main providers, Emtel and Mauritius Telecom, offer services that meet international standards in Mauritius.
Choosing a mobile network
3G and 4G are available everywhere in Mauritius, while Emtel and My.T are expanding 5G coverage. Mobile phone services are widespread and reliable, and competition has made calls, text messages, and other services affordable.Operators offer both prepaid and postpaid mobile packages, available with traditional SIM cards or e-SIM.
Getting a SIM card in Mauritius
To open a prepaid or postpaid mobile line, you must be a resident of Mauritius and provide:
- Your passport
- Your Residence Permit or Occupation Permit
- A proof of address less than three months old.
If you have a Tourist or Premium Visa, your only option is the prepaid “Tourist SIM Card”. For Rs 750 with a validity of 1 month, you will initially get 200GB of data, Rs 174 (my.t) or Rs 200 (Emtel) call credit and unlimited SMS.Then, top up your card as needed. Tourist SIM cards are available at Emtel and My.T shops, including at the airport.
With a prepaid card, you pay for a package that you can top up as needed, with no subscription or contract. When your account runs low, you can top up your SIM card at the nearest Emtel or My.T shop, or online through your bank’s website or app. Then, activate the package (day, week, month, or quarter) that suits you via SMS or on your operator’s website or app. Expect to pay a minimum of Rs 500 per month for the initial plans.
Postpaid subscriptions require a minimum commitment, often a year. Payment can be made by direct debit, in one of the numerous shops of the two providers on the island, on their website or mobile app, or through your local bank’s app.Subscriptions cost between Rs 500 and Rs 2,100 per month, depending on your needs.
You can switch from a prepaid line to a postpaid subscription free of charge, while keeping the same number. However, a Tourist Sim cannot be converted to a prepaid or postpaid plan.
Internet & TV at home in Mauritius
Mauritius is connected to fibre optics through the latest generation SAFE (South Africa – Far East) submarine network, and 80% of the country is covered by 5G, making it one of the best-equipped countries in the region.
Mauritius Telecom and Emtel share the market. Prices vary according to the speed and type of service chosen but are generally quite competitive.Emtel provides WiFi via its AirBox 5G for a minimum of Rs 1,049 per month. Expect to pay Rs 1,300 for the initial subscription, which includes television in partnership with the French operator Canal+.
With Mauritius Telecom, internet access is through a fixed line. Expect to pay between Rs 1,200 and Rs 3,800 per month, depending on your needs, for unlimited internet and television with over 60 channels.To set up internet and TV service, you will need to provide your passport, your Occupation or Residence Permit, and proof of address.