Algeria

Basics
There are three mobile network operators active in Algeria ranked in number of subscribers:


 * Optimum Telecom Algeria, marketed as "Djezzy"
 * Algerie Telecom Mobile, marketed as "Mobilis"
 * Ooredoo

Header 1
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Optimum Telecom Algeria (Djezzy)
Intro Telco 1

2G is on 900 MHz and 3G up to HSPA+ on 2100 MHz. 4G/LTE was launched in only in March 2015 on 1800 MHz. 4G/LTE is available for prepaid in the capital.

Availability
A SIM card costs 30 birr and contains 15 birr starter credit. It's available in Ethio Telecom shops. For the mandatory registration you need a copy of your passport key page and a passport photo. Some stores are able to take a photo and copy a page, but you should not rely on it and can speed up the process by bringing yours.

Usually only standard size SIM cards are available. Micro size is hard to find, nano is non-existent. But most often the store or another cell phone shop has a cutting device to cut you SIM to size. The Ethio Telecom in Bole charged 20 birr to cut the SIM card to nano size.

There is still no shop at the airport, you'll need to go downtown. Be aware, that there are touts at the airport or on the streets asking US$20 or more for a SIM card registered on someone else. You'll pay 15 times as much as the official price just to save some time. Furthermore, it's illegal and your SIM may be shut off.

Recharges and validity
Recharge vouchers are available all over the country in 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 Birr. Vouchers of 5-100 Birr give the equivalent number of days of service, those of 250 Birr or more have a validity of 120 days. The maximum to be accumulated validity period is 120 days.

After that your line will be open only to incoming services for 11 months. After another month of grace period without a top-up, you line will suspended forever.

To recharge your account use the USSD  command *805* # then dial.

For balance inquiry press *804# then dial.

Data feature packages
The default rate is 0.35 Birr per MB and you can book these data packages: Use the following steps to buy mobile internet packages: Dial *999# > enter 1 for package offer > enter 1 for yourself > enter 2 for internet package > package type (enter 1 for daily, 2 for weekly & 3 for monthly) > then select your preferable package offer. You can subscribe to any particular package repeatedly.
 * daily packages (for 24 hours):
 * 25 MB: 5 Birr
 * 55 MB: 10 Birr
 * 100 MB: 15 Birr
 * weekly packages (for 7 days):
 * 100 MB: 20 Birr
 * 250 MB: 50 Birr
 * monthly packages (for 30 days):
 * 500 MB: 85 Birr
 * 1 GB: 165 Birr
 * 2 GB: 320 Birr
 * 4 GB: 600 Birr
 * 8 GB: 1000 Birr
 * 10 GB: 1200 Birr
 * 20 GB: 2200 Birr
 * 30 GB: 3000 Birr

2G customers can subscribe only packages less than or equal to 500 MB. 3G customers can subscribe all packages. 4G customers can subscribe only monthly packages. VAT of 15% are included in prices above.

More info

 * APN: etc.com with username etc and password etc
 * Website in English (quite buggy): http://www.ethiotelecom.et