Angola Speed Test - Check Unitel, Africell, Movicel
Test your internet speed in Angola
Angola reached 44.8% internet penetration with 17.2 million users as of January 2025, growing 3.1% from 2024. Fixed broadband download speeds average 20.39 Mbps, while mobile connections deliver 27.7 Mbps on 4G networks. Unitel holds 72% market share with 18.5 million subscribers and leads mobile speeds at 27.7 Mbps. Africell captured 24% share within two years using subsidized smartphones and integrated data bundles. 5G launched commercially in 2023 in Luanda using 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum, with Unitel delivering 450 Mbps in trials. Angola connects globally through WACS and SACS submarine cables owned by Angola Cables. The government launched Angosat-2 satellite in 2022 to extend broadband to rural areas where fiber remains limited.
Internet in Angola
Angola's telecom market serves 28.7 million mobile connections (74.6% of population) across three main operators. Unitel dominates with 72% market share (18.5 million subscribers), using Angola Cables' fiber infrastructure and WACS/SACS submarine cable capacity.
Africell disrupted the market after launching in 2022, capturing 24% share (6.2 million subscribers) within two years using subsidized smartphones and bundled data-voice-OTT packages priced below competitors. Movicel holds the remaining 4% share, defending specialized enterprise and rural niches.
All three operators received 5G licenses in late 2021 using 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum. Unitel and Africell launched commercial 5G in 2023, initially covering Luanda with Unitel achieving 450 Mbps LTE-Advanced speeds in trials. 4G LTE covers main cities with Unitel delivering 27.7 Mbps average mobile download speeds.
Fixed broadband reaches 20.39 Mbps median download and 7.9 Mbps upload, concentrated in Luanda, Benguela, and Huambo. Rural areas lag with under 10% penetration compared to over 60% in Luanda.
The government opened Angosat-2 satellite to commercial operators in December 2025 through the Conecta Angola Comercial platform, allowing ISPs and telecom operators to extend connectivity to areas without terrestrial infrastructure.
Mobile subscribers grew from 27.08 million in 2025 to a projected 32.24 million by 2030, with 93.7% of connections on 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.
Internet Infrastructure in Angola
Cable Broadband
Angola connects to global internet through multiple submarine cables owned and operated by Angola Cables. The West Africa Cable System (WACS) links Angola to London via 14,530 km of cable with 14.5 Tbps capacity after 2019 upgrades using 100 Gbps technology.
Fiber Broadband
The South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) connects Angola directly to Brazil across 6,165 km with 40 Tbps design capacity on four fiber pairs, forming the first direct Africa-South America link. Angola Cables also operates the Monet cable connecting Brazil to the United States.
Domestically, fiber infrastructure concentrates in Luanda, Benguela, Huambo, and Lubango with backbone capacity ranging 1-10 Gbps in covered areas. IPWorld operates the national backbone connecting major cities. Fiber-to-the-home deployments focus on affluent neighborhoods in Luanda and provincial capitals.
Mobile Networks
Most residential connections use 3G or 4G mobile networks due to limited fixed infrastructure. Mobile towers cover 99% of the population but 29% of cell sites depend on diesel generators rather than grid power, particularly in interior provinces. Long microwave backhaul links serve rural areas where fiber is absent.
Satellite Internet
The government launched Angosat-2 in 2022 to provide satellite broadband to underserved regions. In December 2025, Angola opened Angosat-2 to commercial operators through the Conecta Angola Comercial platform, allowing ISPs and startups to request satellite capacity for areas without terrestrial coverage.
Mobile Networks
The Conecta Angola program uses Angosat-2 to provide free internet to schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings in remote areas, benefiting 366,000 people as of October 2024. Unitel partnered with Ericsson in 2025 to deploy dual-mode 5G Core infrastructure supporting 4G and 5G on a single platform with network slicing and edge capabilities.
Cable Broadband
ZAP provides the fastest fixed broadband at 27.9 Mbps average, while Paratus achieved 11.5 Mbps upload speeds. International bandwidth costs dropped as Angola Cables expanded capacity, but domestic last-mile infrastructure remains limited outside major cities.
Internet Speed: Urban vs Rural Angola
Urban Areas
Luanda dominates Angola's internet landscape with over 60% penetration driven by smartphone adoption and competition among Unitel, Africell, and Movicel. The capital records the fastest fixed broadband speeds with fiber and 4G LTE coverage delivering 15-20 Mbps average downloads.
Secondary Cities
5G launched in Luanda in 2023 with Unitel achieving 450 Mbps in trials, though widespread commercial deployment continues through 2026. Fiber-to-the-home passes select neighborhoods in affluent areas, while middle-income zones receive 4G LTE mobile broadband. Benguela and Huambo form a second-tier cluster with improving connectivity.
Benguela reached 42.9% penetration within one year of Africell's entry. Both cities have fiber backhaul and 4G LTE coverage delivering 15-25 Mbps mobile speeds. Lubango benefits from IPWorld's backbone network with 1-10 Gbps capacity connecting government and enterprise customers.
Urban Areas
Provincial capitals have basic 3G and 4G mobile networks but fiber deployment remains limited outside city centers. Rural Angola faces a sharp digital divide. Internet penetration falls below 10% in rural areas compared to over 60% in Luanda.
Rural Areas
Approximately 21.2 million Angolans (55.2% of population) remained offline at the start of 2025. Villages depend on 3G mobile or satellite connectivity where terrestrial infrastructure is absent.
Remote and Underserved
The Conecta Angola program uses Angosat-2 satellite to extend free internet to schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings in remote areas, serving 366,000 people as of October 2024. In December 2025, the government opened Angosat-2 to commercial operators, allowing ISPs to extend satellite-based broadband to underserved regions.
Interior provinces lag due to infrastructure challenges. Cell sites in these areas depend on diesel generators (29% of national sites) due to unreliable grid power, increasing operational costs. Long microwave backhaul links provide connectivity but deliver lower speeds than fiber.
Urban Areas
The Digital Angola 2025 plan targets 50% internet penetration by mid-decade through infrastructure expansion, digital literacy programs, and affordability initiatives. The urban-rural gap of over 50 percentage points highlights the infrastructure challenge facing Angola's 30.4% rural population.
Internet Providers & Speed in Angola
Unitel
Unitel leads Angola's telecom market with 72% share and 18.5 million subscribers as of 2024. The operator uses Angola Cables' submarine cable infrastructure (WACS, SACS) to control international bandwidth and wholesale capacity.
Unitel launched commercial 5G in 2023 using 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum, achieving 450 Mbps LTE-Advanced speeds in Luanda trials. The operator partnered with Ericsson in 2025 to deploy dual-mode 5G Core supporting 4G and 5G on a single platform with network slicing capabilities.
Unitel delivers 27.7 Mbps average mobile download speeds, the fastest among operators nationally. 4G LTE coverage extends across main cities with expansion to rural areas through the Conecta Angola program using Angosat-2 satellite.
Unitel's fixed broadband packages target urban homes and businesses with fiber-to-the-home in select Luanda neighborhoods.
The operator benefits from first-mover advantage and ownership links to Angola Cables and state oil company Sonangol, which controls 50% of Unitel and owns three ISPs (MSTelcom, Nexus, ACS). Africell disrupted the market after launching in 2022, growing to 24% share (6.2 million subscribers) within two years.
The operator captured market share using aggressive pricing with subsidized smartphones and integrated data-voice-OTT bundles priced below Unitel and Movicel. Africell launched 5G in 2023 alongside Unitel and focuses on upgrading urban LTE footprint to 5G-ready status.
The operator plans nationwide coverage by 2027, expanding from initial Luanda base to Benguela (42.9% penetration achieved), Huambo, and Huila Province. Africell targets price-sensitive urban customers and young demographics with application-specific bundles and social media partnerships.
Movicel
Movicel holds the remaining 4% market share, defending specialized niches in enterprise services and rural connectivity. The operator received 5G licensing in 2021 but has not yet launched commercial service.
Movicel focuses on 4G network improvements and coverage expansion in underserved interior provinces where Unitel and Africell prioritize urban markets. ZAP provides the fastest fixed broadband among ISPs at 27.9 Mbps average download, targeting urban homes with fiber and wireless connections.
Paratus achieved 11.5 Mbps upload speeds, the highest among operators. Angola Telecom operates fixed broadband and enterprise services, using government contracts and institutional customers. The market remains concentrated with Unitel and Africell holding 96% combined share.
Competition centers on pricing, subsidized devices, and bundled OTT services rather than network quality differentiation.
Internet Speed by Region in Angola
Luanda Province
Angola's most developed internet market. Luanda accounts for over 60% internet penetration with fiber-to-the-home in affluent neighborhoods and widespread 4G LTE coverage. Fixed broadband averages 15-20 Mbps download with peaks above 25 Mbps on fiber. Unitel, Africell, and Movicel all provide 4G LTE with Unitel leading mobile speeds at 27.7 Mbps average. 5G launched commercially in 2023 with Unitel achieving 450 Mbps in trials, focusing on city center and business districts. Ericsson dual-mode 5G Core deployed in 2025 supports network slicing and edge capabilities. Mobile data bundles cost USD 6.10/month average for 5 GB with 140 minutes and 20 SMS. Fixed broadband limited to select areas despite fiber availability. Peak evening congestion can reduce speeds 15-20%. Smartphone adoption drives mobile-first connectivity for most households. Angola Cables' WACS and SACS submarine cable landing provides low-latency international bandwidth.
Benguela Province
Second-tier connectivity with improving mobile coverage. Benguela city has 4G LTE coverage from Unitel and Africell, with Africell achieving 42.9% penetration within one year using subsidized smartphone strategy. Mobile speeds range 15-25 Mbps on 4G networks. Fiber backhaul connects the provincial capital but last-mile deployment limited to business districts. Most residential connections use mobile broadband. 5G expected by 2026-2027 as operators expand from Luanda. Coastal location benefits from proximity to submarine cable routes but domestic fiber infrastructure lags behind Luanda. Rural areas outside Benguela city depend on 3G or satellite connectivity through Angosat-2. Africell targets expansion across Benguela with nationwide coverage planned by 2027.
Huambo Province
Mid-tier connectivity concentrated in Huambo city. 4G LTE covers the provincial capital with Africell and Unitel competing on pricing and device subsidies. Mobile speeds typically 15-20 Mbps on 4G. Fiber backhaul reaches main city but fiber-to-the-home limited to government buildings and select commercial areas. Most users rely on mobile broadband. 5G deployment expected 2026-2027. Rural Huambo depends on 3G mobile or Angosat-2 satellite where terrestrial coverage absent. Interior villages have minimal connectivity. Huambo forms second-tier cluster with Benguela for operator expansion priorities. Cell sites depend on diesel generators in many areas due to unreliable grid power, increasing operational costs.
Lubango and Huila Province
Improving connectivity in provincial capital with rural gaps. Lubango benefits from IPWorld backbone network with 1-10 Gbps capacity serving government and enterprise customers. Africell expanded to Huila Province with plans for wider coverage by 2027. 4G LTE available in Lubango city delivering 12-18 Mbps mobile speeds. Fixed broadband limited outside city center. Rural Huila faces under 10% penetration with villages depending on 3G mobile or satellite connectivity. Angosat-2 Conecta Angola program targets schools and hospitals in remote areas but household access remains limited. Tourism sector drives demand for improved connectivity in Lubango but residential infrastructure lags.
Interior Provinces (Bié, Moxico, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul)
Lowest connectivity levels nationally. Provincial capitals have basic 3G and limited 4G coverage but speeds often under 10 Mbps. Fiber infrastructure absent outside main towns. Cell sites depend on diesel generators (29% of national sites) and long microwave backhaul links, reducing profitability for operators. Villages have minimal or no terrestrial connectivity. Internet penetration falls below 5% in many rural areas. Angosat-2 satellite provides only connectivity option for remote communities. Conecta Angola program served 366,000 people as of October 2024 through free internet at schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings. Commercial operators can now access Angosat-2 capacity through Conecta Angola Comercial platform launched December 2025. Diamond-mining regions in Lunda provinces have basic coverage for industry operations but limited residential access. Government Digital Angola 2025 plan aims to bridge gap but deployment slow due to infrastructure costs and sparse population density.
Internet Pricing in Angola
Mobile Data Pricing
Mobile data in Angola costs USD 6.10/month average for a bundle including 5 GB data, 140 voice minutes, and 20 SMS as of 2025, down 13% from 2024. Individual data pricing averaged USD 1.01 per GB in 2023. Affordability remains a challenge with only 4% of the population able to afford 1 GB per month, well below the 23% regional average for Africa according to 2021 AU-OECD data.
Affordability
At minimum wage levels, mobile data represents a significant portion of household income. Unitel and Movicel focus on mid-tier packages while Africell disrupted pricing with subsidized smartphones and integrated data-voice-OTT bundles priced below competitors. Fixed broadband pricing varies by provider and location.
Entry-level packages in Luanda cost USD 15-25/month for 10-25 Mbps with data caps. Mid-tier fiber packages range USD 40-60/month for 25-50 Mbps. High-end fiber costs USD 80-120/month for speeds above 50 Mbps.
Contract and Fees
ZAP and Paratus target upper-income urban customers with premium pricing. Angola Telecom and Unitel offer converged fixed-mobile bundles combining broadband and voice services. Installation fees add USD 30-80 including router equipment.
Mobile Data Pricing
Most users depend on prepaid mobile data due to limited fixed infrastructure and high fixed broadband costs relative to income. Africell's subsidized device strategy lowered entry barriers, allowing customers to acquire smartphones for USD 20-40 with 12-24 month data commitments. This model drove Africell to 24% market share within two years.
Application-specific bundles for YouTube, TikTok, and social media cost USD 2-5/month with 1-3 GB dedicated data. Operators compete on bundled OTT services rather than pure connectivity pricing.
Market size reached USD 1.33 billion in 2025 with projected growth to USD 1.56 billion by 2030 at 3.21% CAGR. Revenue growth driven by subscriber additions (27.08 million to 32.24 million projected 2025-2030) and migration from 3G to 4G and 5G, moving users onto higher-ARPU plans.
Diesel fuel costs for off-grid cell sites in interior provinces increase operational expenses 20-30% compared to grid-powered sites, limiting operator incentives for rural expansion. Angosat-2 satellite capacity pricing not publicly disclosed but Conecta Angola Comercial platform allows ISPs to request commercial access starting December 2025.
Network Technology in Angola
5G Rollout
5G launched commercially in 2023 when Unitel and Africell activated networks using 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum licensed in late 2021. Unitel achieved 450 Mbps LTE-Advanced speeds in Luanda trials.
Initial deployment focused on city center, business districts, and affluent neighborhoods with plans to expand coverage through 2026-2027. Unitel partnered with Ericsson in 2025 to deploy dual-mode 5G Core supporting 4G and 5G on a single platform with network slicing, exposure APIs, and edge computing capabilities.
This architecture allows operators to offer differentiated services for enterprise customers and IoT applications. Africell upgrades urban LTE sites to 5G-ready status with full commercial launch planned as subscriber growth justifies investment.
Movicel received 5G licensing but has not launched commercial service, focusing on 4G improvements instead. Operators plan nationwide 5G expansion by 2027, prioritizing Luanda, Benguela, Huambo, and Lubango before extending to smaller cities.
4G LTE covers 93.7% of mobile connections nationwide with speeds averaging 27.7 Mbps download on Unitel networks. Africell and Movicel deliver 15-25 Mbps on 4G. Coverage extends across main cities and major highways with gaps in rural interior provinces.
Fiber Deployment
3G networks remain active for legacy device support and rural areas where 4G infrastructure absent. Fiber-to-the-home adoption limited to affluent urban neighborhoods in Luanda and provincial capitals. Most fixed broadband uses wireless or legacy copper where available.
Angola Cables upgraded WACS submarine cable to 14.5 Tbps capacity in 2019 using 100 Gbps technology, improving international bandwidth and reducing latency to Europe and South America. SACS provides direct Brazil link with 40 Tbps capacity on four fiber pairs.
Satellite and Emerging
Satellite connectivity expanded in 2022 with Angosat-2 launch to replace failed Angosat-1. The government opened Angosat-2 to commercial operators in December 2025 through Conecta Angola Comercial platform, allowing ISPs and startups to request satellite capacity for rural areas without terrestrial coverage.
Conecta Angola program uses Angosat-2 to provide free internet to 366,000 people at schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings as of October 2024. Smartphone adoption drives mobile-first internet access with 28.7 million cellular connections (74.6% of population) as of early 2025. Social media reaches 5.10 million users (13.3% of population) concentrated in urban areas.
Government Digital Angola 2025 plan targets 50% internet penetration by mid-decade through infrastructure investment, digital literacy programs, and affordability initiatives.
Angola's internet penetration grew from 32.6% in early 2023 to 44.8% in January 2025, driven by Africell's market entry, subsidized devices, and mobile broadband expansion. However, 21.2 million Angolans (55.2%) remained offline at start of 2025, mostly in rural areas.
How to Choose an ISP in Angola
Several factors determine the best provider at your address in Angola. Check coverage, compare pricing, and test speeds before signing a contract.
Check availability by location
Visit Unitel, Africell, and Movicel websites or retail stores to verify coverage at your address. Luanda has widest choice with all three operators providing 4G LTE and select 5G coverage.
Compare mobile versus fixed broadband based on infrastructure availability
Mobile broadband reaches 93.7% of connections nationwide with 4G LTE delivering 15-27 Mbps average speeds depending on operator and location. Unitel leads mobile speeds at 27.7 Mbps average.
Evaluate pricing and device subsidies
Mobile data costs USD 6.10/month average for 5 GB bundle with voice and SMS. Africell offers subsidized smartphones for USD 20-40 with 12-24 month data commitments, lowering entry barriers. Unitel and Movicel focus on mid-tier packages with higher upfront device costs.
Consider 5G availability if
in Luanda.
Test during peak hours before long-term commitment
Network congestion can reduce speeds 15-30% during evening hours 6pm-10pm in busy areas. Request trial SIM or short-term package to test real-world performance.
Factor in household income and usage patterns
At median income levels, choose packages that fit 5-10% of monthly budget.
Benguela and Huambo have Unitel and Africell 4G coverage. Provincial capitals typically have at least one operator with 3G or 4G service. Rural areas may only have 3G mobile or satellite options through Angosat-2. Use network coverage maps to confirm signal strength before committing.
Fixed broadband limited to Luanda and provincial capitals with fiber-to-the-home in select affluent neighborhoods. ZAP provides fastest fixed at 27.9 Mbps average but limited coverage. Most users choose mobile broadband due to wider availability and lower entry cost.
Unitel launched commercial 5G in 2023 achieving 450 Mbps in trials, focusing on city center and business districts. Africell expanding 5G-ready sites through 2026. Check if your area has 5G coverage and if your device supports 3.3-3.7 GHz bands. Most users still access 4G networks due to limited 5G footprint.
Prepaid mobile dominates with over 85% of connections, allowing better cost control than postpaid contracts. Select unlimited or high-cap plans if streaming or working from home. Application-specific bundles for YouTube or social media cost USD 2-5/month with dedicated data.
For rural areas without terrestrial coverage, inquire about Angosat-2 satellite access through Conecta Angola Comercial platform or wait for operator expansion planned through 2027.
Compare Internet Providers in Angola
The table below shows top providers by connection type and maximum advertised speed.
| Provider | Type | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Unitel | fiber | 1000 Mbps |
| Africell Angola | mobile | 150 Mbps |
| Movicel | mobile | 100 Mbps |
Test Your Connection Speed
Run a speed test to verify your Angola provider delivers advertised speeds. Test during peak evening hours for the most accurate results.
Internet Providers in Angola
Compare internet speeds across major providers in Angola. Click on a provider to test your connection.
Angola Speed Test FAQ
How do I test my internet speed in Angola?
Click the Start Test button on this page to measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping latency. For accurate results on fixed broadband, connect your device directly to the router using an ethernet cable and close all background applications including streaming services, downloads, and cloud backups. For mobile testing, ensure you have good signal strength (3+ bars on 4G or 5G) and test in different locations to account for coverage variations. Test during peak hours between 6pm and 10pm when networks are busiest to see real-world performance under congestion. The test takes about 30 seconds. Compare your result against your plan's advertised speed. If you consistently get below 70% of your paid speed, contact Unitel, Africell, or Movicel to troubleshoot or consider switching providers. Power outages are common in some areas, so ensure stable electricity or battery backup during testing to avoid interruptions.
What is the average internet speed in Angola?
Angola's median fixed broadband download speed is 20.39 Mbps as of end-2025, with upload speeds averaging 7.9 Mbps. Mobile download speeds average 27.7 Mbps on Unitel's 4G LTE network, the fastest among operators. Speeds vary significantly by location and provider. Luanda records the fastest speeds with fiber and 4G LTE delivering 15-20 Mbps average downloads and peaks above 25 Mbps on fiber connections. ZAP provides the fastest fixed broadband at 27.9 Mbps average, while Paratus achieved 11.5 Mbps upload speeds. 5G launched commercially in 2023 in Luanda with Unitel achieving 450 Mbps in trials, though coverage remains limited to city center and business districts. Provincial capitals like Benguela and Huambo receive 15-25 Mbps on 4G mobile. Rural areas often get under 10 Mbps on 3G networks or depend on satellite connectivity. Run a speed test to see how your connection compares to these averages based on your location and provider.
Which ISP has the fastest internet in Angola?
Unitel delivers the fastest mobile internet speeds in Angola with 27.7 Mbps average download on 4G LTE networks, leveraging Angola Cables' submarine cable infrastructure and fiber backhaul. Unitel also launched commercial 5G in 2023 achieving 450 Mbps in Luanda trials using 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum, though coverage remains limited to select areas. For fixed broadband, ZAP recorded the fastest speeds at 27.9 Mbps average download, targeting urban fiber customers. Paratus achieved the highest upload speeds at 11.5 Mbps. Africell offers competitive mobile speeds of 15-25 Mbps on 4G networks with aggressive pricing and subsidized devices, growing to 24% market share within two years. Movicel focuses on enterprise and rural markets with slower speeds but wider coverage in underserved areas. Actual performance varies by location, the plan you select, and network congestion during peak evening hours. Urban Luanda receives the best speeds across all providers due to fiber infrastructure and 5G deployment, while rural areas lag significantly.
Is 5G available in Angola?
Yes, 5G launched commercially in 2023 when Unitel and Africell activated networks in Luanda using 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum licensed in late 2021. Unitel achieved 450 Mbps LTE-Advanced speeds in trials, focusing on city center, business districts, and affluent neighborhoods. Unitel partnered with Ericsson in 2025 to deploy dual-mode 5G Core supporting 4G and 5G on a single platform with network slicing and edge computing capabilities. Africell is upgrading urban LTE sites to 5G-ready status with full commercial launch planned as coverage expands. Coverage remains limited to select areas of Luanda with expansion to Benguela, Huambo, and Lubango expected by 2026-2027. Movicel received 5G licensing but has not launched commercial service, focusing on 4G network improvements instead. Operators plan nationwide 5G coverage by 2027, prioritizing major cities before extending to smaller towns. Check with your operator for 5G availability at your specific address and verify your device supports 3.3-3.7 GHz frequency bands used in Angola.
How much does internet cost in Angola?
Mobile data in Angola costs USD 6.10/month average for a bundle including 5 GB data, 140 voice minutes, and 20 SMS as of 2025, down 13% from the previous year. Individual data pricing averaged USD 1.01 per GB in 2023. Africell offers subsidized smartphones for USD 20-40 with 12-24 month data commitments, significantly lowering entry costs compared to Unitel and Movicel's mid-tier packages. Application-specific bundles for YouTube, TikTok, and social media cost USD 2-5/month with 1-3 GB dedicated data. Fixed broadband in Luanda costs USD 15-25/month for entry-level packages (10-25 Mbps with data caps), USD 40-60/month for mid-tier fiber (25-50 Mbps), and USD 80-120/month for high-end fiber (above 50 Mbps). Installation fees add USD 30-80 including router equipment. Only 4% of Angola's population can afford 1 GB per month, well below the 23% regional average for Africa. Most users rely on prepaid mobile data due to limited fixed infrastructure and high costs relative to income. Market competition from Africell's aggressive pricing strategy has driven overall costs down, though affordability remains a barrier for many households, particularly in rural areas where income levels are lower.