Internet Services

In addition to accessing the internet via mobile data, there are three other main options for internet services; ADSL, fibre optic & wireless broadband.

ADSL

ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) is a relatively old technology which uses existing phone lines to connect to the internet and transfer data. An ADSL modem connected to a landline is required, and the maximum download speed is approximately 16 Mbs — although this will heavily depend on the quality of the phone line itself. ADSL is still commonly used in Iran with a number of companies providing the service.

Each company has their own tariffs and packages which are based on the period of service (1, 3, 6 or 12 months), the internet speed and amount of included data.

One of the largest providers of ADSL is the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI), a previously state-owned company which has been partially privatised. TCI seems to be among the cheapest providers with a 12-month, 16 Mbs speed service with 960 Gb of data for approximately $20. Additional traffic (gigabytes) can also be purchased if the need arises.

Some of the companies listed above also provide VDSL (very high-speed digital subscriber line) — a faster form of ADSL with download speeds up to 50 Mbs.

For enquiries and service coverage information, internet service providers can be contacted using the details provided above. To purchase a service, the telephone sales representative will typically verify the suitability of the landline and may dispatch an engineer to set up the connection. Once connected, a username and password will be provided to access the online account, where users can check their details, monitor internet usage, purchase additional traffic, and renew or cancel the service.

Fibre Optic

Fibre optic cables allow transmission over longer distances and at higher data transfer rates (up to 900 Mbps) compared to electrical cables. Consequently, they have quickly become the primary choice for high-speed broadband internet connections in Europe and North America. While Iran has been steadily expanding its fibre optic network, many areas in Qum still lack access to this infrastructure and cannot benefit from its high speeds. Interested individuals should check its availability by visiting the TCI website or calling 2020 from a landline. Prices for fibre optic broadband are significantly higher than ADSL, with a monthly, 100 Mbps service with 500 Gb of data costing approximately $8.

Mobile Wireless Broadband

Another increasingly popular option for internet connection is mobile wireless broadband. This option is more flexible as it can be used without a fixed landline and while on the move, with speeds of up to 50 Mbs. Mobile wireless broadband requires a TD-LTE SIM card and a compatible modem which can be purchased at various retail outlets. The SIM card is simply placed in the modem and the internet should connect automatically within a few minutes. The main providers of this option are Mobinnet and MTN Irancell, though several other companies have recently joined the market.

Some of the main disadvantages of wireless broadband include:

• Expensive Initial Cost: A specific modem must be purchased. For example, Mobinnet offers a 12-month package with 400 GB of traffic for approximately $100. These modems are typically locked to the provider and cannot be used with another provider’s SIM card.
• Higher Renewal Costs: Renewal packages and additional traffic can be more expensive compared to other internet options. For instance, a 12-month, 1000 GB package costs around $45.
• Variable Coverage and Signal Strength: Coverage maps for both Mobinnet and MTN Irancell can be checked to determine which provider offers better connection and speed, but signal strength may be poor in basement properties.

VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is a way to improve online security and privacy by creating a secure connection between one’s device and the internet. It is also used to bypass internet restrictions and access geo-restricted content in other countries by concealing the true IP address to make it appear as if the user is accessing the internet from a different location. This is especially useful for foreign students wishing to access content in their home countries such as academia, government services and online-banking. A number of websites and mobile apps — including Whatsapp and Youtube — will not work in Iran without a VPN.