Internet Services

Beyond mobile data — ADSL, fibre optic and wireless broadband options, what they cost, the main providers, and why you'll likely want a VPN.

Besides accessing the internet via mobile data, there are three other main options for internet services: ADSL, fibre optic and wireless broadband.

ADSL

ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) is a relatively old technology that uses existing phone lines to connect and transfer data. It needs an ADSL modem connected to a landline, and the maximum download speed is around 16 Mbps — though this depends heavily on the quality of the phone line. ADSL is still commonly used in Iran, with a number of companies providing the service.

Each company has its own tariffs and packages based on the service period (1, 3, 6 or 12 months), the speed and the amount of included data. One of the largest providers is the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI), a previously state-owned company that has been partially privatised and is among the cheapest — a 12-month, 16 Mbps service with 960 GB of data costs approximately $20, with additional traffic available to purchase if needed.

Some of these companies also provide VDSL (very high-speed digital subscriber line) — a faster form of ADSL with download speeds up to 50 Mbps. For enquiries and coverage, contact the providers above. To purchase a service, the sales representative will typically verify the suitability of your landline and may dispatch an engineer to set up the connection. Once connected, you receive a username and password for an online account where you can monitor usage, buy additional traffic, and renew or cancel the service.

Fibre optic

Fibre optic cables allow transmission over longer distances and at higher data rates (up to 900 Mbps) than electrical cables, and have quickly become the primary choice for high-speed broadband in Europe and North America. Iran has been steadily expanding its fibre network, but many areas in Qum still lack access. Check availability via the TCI website or by calling 2020 from a landline. Prices are significantly higher than ADSL — a monthly 100 Mbps service with 500 GB of data costs approximately $8.

Mobile wireless broadband

An increasingly popular option, mobile wireless broadband is more flexible: it works without a fixed landline and while on the move, with speeds up to 50 Mbps. It requires a TD-LTE SIM card and a compatible modem, available at various retail outlets — place the SIM in the modem and it should connect automatically within a few minutes. The main providers are Mobinnet and MTN Irancell, with several other companies recently joining the market.

Some disadvantages of wireless broadband:

• Expensive initial cost — a specific modem must be purchased. Mobinnet, for example, offers a 12-month package with 400 GB of traffic for around $100. These modems are typically locked to the provider and cannot be used with another provider’s SIM.
• Higher renewal costs — renewal packages and extra traffic can be pricier than other options; a 12-month, 1000 GB package costs around $45.
• Variable coverage — check the coverage maps for Mobinnet and MTN Irancell to see which offers better connection and speed; signal can be poor in basement properties.

VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) improves online security and privacy by creating a secure connection between your device and the internet. It is also used to bypass internet restrictions and access geo-restricted content by concealing your true IP address, making it appear as if you are browsing from a different location. This is especially useful for foreign students wanting to access content in their home countries — academia, government services and online banking. A number of websites and apps, including WhatsApp and YouTube, will not work in Iran without a VPN.