Iran, located in the Middle East, exhibits a diverse terrain including mountains, deserts, and coastal regions, which presents a challenging environment for technology and telecommunications infrastructure deployment. With a population of over 88 million, the population density varies significantly, being concentrated in the north, west, and central regions with sparse distribution in desert areas. The capital city, Tehran, is a significant hub for technological advancements and telecommunications. Iran has made strides in technology and telecommunications, but the sector is still evolving. The country boasts a robust domestic technology market, including software development and hardware manufacturing, with the government investing heavily in science and technology education. However, international sanctions have impeded technology transfer, limiting the maturity of the sector. In the realm of renewable energy, Iran has significant potential due to its abundant solar and wind resources, but the sector remains underdeveloped and reliant on fossil fuels. Infrastructure solutions in Iran are often marked by a blend of traditional and innovative approaches due to the unique geographical and socio-political factors.

ITU Region
Region-3
Geographic Region
Regulatory Body
Communications Regulatory Authority CRA
Iran world map

Mobile Network Operators

The are 5 companies operating mobile networks in this region.

MCI Hamrahe Aval logo Iran
The Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) is a fixed-line incumbent operator established in 1971. Its services span fixed telephony, DSL, and data services for both residential and business customers nationwide. TCI has 30 provincial subsidiaries and two brands: MCI (Mobile Company of Iran) and FCI (Fixed-line Company of Iran). These brands provide fixed-line telephone service, data services, mobile services, high-speed internet, and are set to offer wireless services. In 2016, TCI announced the merger of its provincial subsidiaries and MCI into a single business unit to capitalise on...
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MTCE TCI, also known as Mobile Telecommunication Company of Esfahan TCI, is a telecommunications firm operating within Iran. Established in 1994, the company is a subsidiary of Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI), the country's primary provider of telecommunication services. MTCE TCI's ownership rests with TCI, which in turn is owned by the Iranian government. The company's establishment was part of a broader push to decentralise and regionalise telecommunication services within Iran, with MTCE TCI specifically serving the Esfahan region.

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MTN Irancell logo
MTN Irancell, also known as Irancell, is a significant telecommunications company in Iran. The company was officially launched on 21 October 2006, providing an advanced generation of GSM systems to its subscribers. It operates Iran's largest 2G-3G-4G-4.5G-5G mobile network, and fixed wireless TD-LTE internet services. Irancell became the first provider of 5G internet in the country, further cementing its position as a leading telecommunications provider. The ownership of MTN Irancell is split between two entities. MTN Group, a multinational telecommunications group, holds a 49% stake in the...
Country

Rightel Tamin Telecom is a telecommunications company operating in Iran. It was established in 2011 as the third mobile operator in the country. The company was founded by the Social Security Investment Company, which is the investment branch of the Social Security Organization of Iran. This makes Rightel Tamin Telecom a wholly Iranian-owned entity. The company provides a range of telecommunications services, including voice, data, and multimedia communications.

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Taliya is a telecommunications company operating in Iran. Established in 2002, it was the first privately-owned company to enter Iran's telecommunications market. The company is a subsidiary of the Iran Electronic Industries, which is under the control of Iran's Ministry of Defence. Taliya's primary focus is on providing mobile telecommunication services across the country. It is noteworthy that despite the challenging regulatory environment in Iran, Taliya has managed to carve out a niche in the competitive telecommunications sector.

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