Bahrain has a modern and competitive mobile telecommunications market with three major Bahrain mobile operators – Batelco, Zain, and STC.
Choosing the right mobile operator in Bahrain can be tricky given the choices available. This article compares the three main operators in Bahrain across important parameters like network coverage, speed, pricing, and services to help you pick the best one for your needs.
Table of Contents
I. List of Mobile Operators in Bahrain
1. Main Mobile Operators in Bahrain
| Operator | Year Launched | Ownership | No. of Subscribers |
| Batelco | 1981 | Incumbent, the oldest operator in Bahrain | Around 1 million |
| Zain Bahrain | 2003 (as MTC Vodafone Bahrain), rebranded to Zain in 2007 | Owned by Zain Group | Around 1.1 million |
| VIVA Bahrain | 2010 | Owned by Saudi Telecom Company | Around 0.8 million |
These three form the core mobile telecom market in Bahrain. Between them, they cover over 99% of the mobile subscriber base in the country.
3G/UMTS on 2100 MHz and 4G/LTE on 1800 MHz (band 3) has started on all three operators. 4G/LTE is available on prepaid. All providers covered already 99% of the country with 4G/LTE in 2016 and gave average download rates of more than 20 Mbps. The three competitors are very much neck on neck.
2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Bahrain
In addition to the main Bahrain mobile operators, there are a few MVNOs in Bahrain too. These firms provide services under their brand but use the network infrastructure of one of the main operators.
Some MVNOs in Bahrain include
- Rami Levy (Israel) – Low-cost prepaid plans on the Cellcom network.
- Virgin Mobile MEA – Operates across the Middle East using various MNOs.
- Majan Telecom (Oman) – Prepaid plans using the Ooredoo network.
- Axiom Telecom (KSA) – Uses Mobily and Zain networks.
- Lebara KSA/Etihad Jawraa (KSA) – Targets expats, Mobily network.
- FRiENDi (Oman) – Data, voice, SMS on Ooredoo.
- Regional Telecom (Iraq) – Voice, data plans on Zain network.
However, they have a very small subscriber share compared to the main operators.
II. How to Choose the Best Bahrain Mobile Operators
Some key criteria to consider when choosing Bahrain mobile operators include:
- Network coverage – Choosing an operator with reliable coverage nationwide as well as in specific areas of interest.
- Data allowance and speed – Comparing incentives, speeds, and monthly data caps offered in different plans. 5G coverage may also be a factor.
- Calling international – rates on calls to destinations outside the UK including any roaming agreements with external networks.
- Handset selecting – taking into account the existing devices and discounts or deals that are applicable upon signing certain period agreements.
- User Experience – Reputation, customer service channels, and languages may affect the overall user experience.
For tourists visiting Bahrain, it would be best to opt for a prepaid SIM card from any of the main operators. This provides flexible usage without a long commitment, international roaming support, and the freedom to switch operator if needed during their trip based on coverage required in different areas around the country.
III. Best Mobile Operators in Bahrain – Detailed Comparison
| Operator | Market Share | Bandwidth | Coverage | 4G Coverage | Main Uses | Average Monthly Price (USD) |
| Batelco | 40% | High bandwidth nationwide | Wide nationwide coverage | Extensive 4G | Voice, text, data | $15 |
| STC | 30% | Broad bandwidth | Very good nationwide | Expanding 4G networks | Data and content | $25 |
| Zain | 30% | Variable bandwidth | Patchy rural coverage | Limited 4G in cities | Social media bundles | $10 |
Key points 🔎
- Batelco offers the widest coverage footprint and if you want reliable services, particularly in rural areas, then it would probably be your sole choice in Bahrain.
- STC is the most aggressive
- Zain offers the most suitable monthly plans for users who need only voice and text messages with data usage occurring occasionally.
One factor that might also come to your aid is where you live and if you frequently travel to major towns/cities of those three operators all ought to offer excellent network coverage. It would be Batelco that is the cheapest of all.
IV. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Bahrain Mobile Operators?
The major operators provide multiple channels to buy new SIM cards in Bahrain:
- Physical retail stores – all three companies own stores and distributors within Bahrain that sell SIM cards upon presenting the required ID.
- Websites – Zain and VIVA allow the purchasing of SIM cards via their websites for delivery at home once the KYC information has been offered.
- Airport counter – At the airport counter, tourists are allowed to buy a SIM card for Batelco, Zain and Viva with their passports.
- Digital Wallets – With benefits such as Verified customers getting e-SIM cards through Vivas online channel, and digital wallets like BenefitPay.
Note 🔊
Buying from stores ensures quick SIM activation whereas online channels offer the convenience of home delivery.
V. Do Mobile Operators in Bahrain Offer eSIM?
Adoption of eSIM technology is increasing in Bahrain with support from leading mobile operators:
- Batelco – Provides the ability to activate eSIM for compatible Apple watches and iPads through its website or mobile app. Yet to roll out eSIM for smartphones.
- Zain – Currently does not offer eSIMs facility for any device including smartphones and smartwatches. Expected to launch the service soon.
- VIVA – Ahead of others, VIVA launched the eSIMs service for smartphones in 2019. Available for iPhone XS/XR and above models. Activated through their website.
VIVA is the only operator in Bahrain as of now that provides eSIM activation for smartphones like iPhones. Others are expected to launch eSIM services for mobiles and smartwatches in the future.
Travelers visiting Bahrain now have a convenient option for staying connected with eSIM technology. Some major local carriers like Batelco, STC, and Zain allow eSIM activation on certain devices for postpaid plans. However, dealing directly with these carriers as a tourist can be complicated due to paperwork or other obstacles.
A better choice is purchasing an eSIM plan from bahrainesim.com – a top eSIM provider in Bahrain, here’s what makes bahrainesim.com stand out:
- Variety & Flexibility: Choose among a wide array of data packages best suited to your goals.
- Multiple Network Coverage: They take care of the technical aspects by collaborating with major Bahrain mobile providers so that you get a fast and reliable connection during your trip smoothly and uninterrupted.
- Top-notch Customer Service: They offer 24/7 customer support so you can get assistance if needed.
- Affordable Prices: Their eSIMs are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money
Plan that may interest you
VI. FAQs
Which operator has the best network coverage in Bahrain?
Batelco, Zain, and VIVA all have over 98% population coverage in Bahrain. Batelco edges with its wider 5G footprint.
Who provides the fastest mobile internet speeds?
Based on data from multiple agencies, Batelco consistently provides the fastest average mobile internet speeds across Bahrain.
Which operator has the cheapest mobile plans?
Pricing of basic mobile plans does not vary significantly between Batelco, Zain, and VIVA. Zain and VIVA have some unique discounted offers.
Where can I get a tourist SIM card in Bahrain?
Tourist SIM cards from Batelco, Zain, and VIVA are easily available at Bahrain International Airport and online on arrival.
Does Zain Bahrain offer eSIM service?
Zain Bahrain currently does not provide an eSIM facility for smartphones or other devices. It is expected to launch the service soon.
VIII. Final Words
Choosing the right Bahrain mobile operators eventually depends on individual priorities – network coverage, speeds, pricing, or customer service.
Based on extensive research, for most users, Batelco emerges as the best mobile operator in Bahrain with its unparalleled network coverage and speeds including 5G, competitive rates, and customer service. But Zain and VIVA also have their relative strengths and appeal to many customers with their quality networks and offerings. The competitive market dynamics ensure users get excellent services at affordable costs from all leading mobile operators in Bahrain.
