Seychelles

Basics
Two network operators share the mobile market on the Seychelles: 2G is on 900 Mhz up to EDGE speed and 3G up to HDSPA on 2100 Mhz on both networks. Coverage is good on the main islands like Mahé, Praslin and la Digue with 3G, but can be spotty even on 2G on the outer islands.
 * Airtel (Bharti Airtel)
 * Cable & Wireless (Cable and Wireless Seychelles)

4G/LTE has started on 800 Mhz on Airtel in November 2014. It covers only an area between the international airport and Beau Vallon including Victoria on Mahé island. Cable & Wireless has announced its 4G launch for 2015.

You can easily buy starter packs and reloads in the shops of the two operators, which are on all three main islands and at many outlets where you can make recharges too. A prepaid SIM is a cheap way for internet access as most hotels and resorts charge extra very high rates for WIFI passes. Speed is variable due to location, but fast for African and slow for European standards.

Airtel
Airtel by Indian Bharti Airtel is a leading provider of mobile networks in Asia and Africa. They acquired the network of Telecom Seychelles in 2010 and are now market leader with a 55% share of customers on the Seychelles.

Availability
Their SIM card is promoted very heavily. On many international flights a "free SIM card" which is a voucher for it is given to the passengers or it is given in the promotional material. If you don't get one, ask at the Airtel kiosk at the airport for the free SIM. Otherwise they cost around 25 SCR. Topups are available at every street corner. Airtel Seychelles shop locator/.

Data feature packs
There is no data without buying a data bundle:

Type *121# to subscribe to a plan that suits your needs. Call 4600600 for more information.

More info

 * Some users complain about being not able to send or receive international text messages (SMS)
 * APN: airtelgprs.com
 * Website: http://africa.airtel.com/wps/wcm/connect/africarevamp/Seychelles/ in English

Cable & Wireless
Cable and Wireless Seychelles is the sole competitor of Airltel on the islands. It is the only operator of landlines and international phone lines in the country. It runs internet cafés and the submarine cable to the African continent too. Though their coverage may not as good as Airtel, they offer a good alternative and where available often higher speeds. No problems sending/receiving international text messages are reported in contrary to Airtel.

Availability
They don't promote their product so heavily than Airtel. At the airport and in their offices in town prepaid starter packs are sold for 50 SCR containing 25 SCR credit. In Victoria their "Customer Experience Centre" is on Francis Rachel St. For data it doesn't make a difference which prepaid tariff line you are on. Topups can be made at their outlets or "Cable Kiosks", which are automated self-service booths.

Data feature packs
Default rate on all prepaid packs is 0.006 SCR per KB. So add one of these packages called "Data Boosters": All packs are valid for 30 days. All prices above exclude VAT. So add 15% for final price. To check data volume dial #125#, to purchase dial #155#.
 * 70 SR: 50 MB
 * 100 SR: 100 MB
 * 160 SR: 200 MB
 * 225 SR: 500 MB
 * 299 SR: 1 GB
 * 399 SR: 2 GB

C&W offers a second way to load data called data topup. For this, you have to recharge a fixed top up amount at one of their 300 eTopup dealers which converts into a data allowance: All Data TopUps are valid from date of purchase. Upon purchase, the validity of your selected Data TopUp supercedes any previous validity period.

More info

 * APN: internet
 * C&W also sells prepaid phone cards for international calls from landlines called "Aldabra". 10 min for 35 SR, 20 min for 50 SR and 40 min for 120 SR.
 * Website: http://www.cwseychelles.com/ in English