Basics
Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Although usually referred to in the singular, the archipelago consists of 181 islands with a total land area of 53 km2. Eight of the larger islands are populated by around 65,000 inhabitants.
Two operators share the market in Bermuda:
- CellOne (by Bermuda Digital Comm. Ltd.)
- Digicel Bermuda
CellOne is the incumbent provider. It comes from the former monopoly of Cable & Wireless which was broken by Digicel in 2005. Nevertheless, prices remained quite high.
2G is on 1900 MHz and 3G on 850 Mhz up to HSPA+ by both carriers. All populated islands are covered and speed is pretty good.
At the end of 2016 the regulator awarded spectrum for 4G/LTE on 700 MHz (bands 13 and 17) to both operators. They started to roll out 4G/LTE in 2017 as they need to cover 99% by the end of the year according to license rules.
Prices are given in Bermudian dollar (symbol: $; code: BMD); also abbreviated BD$; informally called Bermuda dollar. It's linked in ratio 1:1 to the US dollar. Taxes are not charged, but all mobile plans are subject to a 'Government License Fee' which was raised in 2016 to $ 9.50 per month. It's charged as $ 0.32 per day from all plans.
CellOne
CellOne by Bermuda Digital Comm. Ltd. has been sold to local KeyTech that has been acquired by US-based ATN.
They offer triple-play products and were the first to launch 3G and 4G services on the islands. They still hold a lead in market shares on a network that is slightly ahead of Digicel's.
Availability
Their prepaid SIM card can be purchased for $ 20 including a $ 10 airtime credit. No activation fee. It's sold at their stores (locator) and other shops on the islands.
You can top-up at many grocery stores, supermarkets and pharmacies (list) on the islands. Or do it online by credit card from $ 1 to $ 200.
To check your balance, enter *120#.
Data feature packages
There are no data without a package added. A Government License Fee of $0.32 per day applies. These packages are offered:
| Data | Time | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 MB | 24 hours | $ 2 | *777*11# |
| 500 MB | 14 days | $ 15 | *777*12# |
| 1.5 GB | 30 days | $ 45 | *777*13# |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $ 99 | *777*4# |
Packages don't auto-renew.
For social messaging on WhatsApp, BlackBerry messenger, Facebook Messenger and iMessenger they offer a unlimited Prepaid Social Messaging pack at $ 2 for 24 hours. Activation is by *777*14. Note, that the Social Messaging plan can't be used in conjunction with data package.
More info
- APN: web.c1.bm
- Website: http://www.cellone.bm
Digicel Bermuda
Digicel came to Bermuda in 2005 when it acquired Cingular Wireless's Caribbean operations. Their network, as a result of recent spectrum auctions, is now somewhat on par with CellOne's network, and claims to cover 99% of the population (coverage map). In May 2017, 4G/LTE was launched on major islands on 700 MHz. In subsequent speedtests, it has been confirmed that Digicel's 4G/LTE network is in fact an LTE-A network.
Availability
Their SIM card is available for $ 20 in their store in Hamilton (locator) and other shops too.
Top-ups can be made online by credit card without surcharges or by vouchers sold all over the islands. Digitel offers CreditU where you can top-up one number by another: dial *125*<receiving mobile no.>*<top-up amount>#. Wait for confirmation and then dial *125*1# to confirm. This service is free.
Dial *120# to check your account balance.
Data feature packages
Default rate without a package is $ 0.50 per MB. These plans are offered:
| Data | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 50 MB | 24 hours | $ 2.50 |
| 300 MB | 14 days | $ 10 |
| 600 MB | 14 days | $ 20 |
| 1 GB | 30 days | $ 40 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $ 99 |
To activate, dial *100# and choose plan.
For unlimited Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and WhatsApp use, they offer 'Go Social' plans that can be combine with data packages:
- for 7 days: $ 10
- for 14 days: $ 20
- for 30 days: $ 35
More info
- APN: web.digicelbermuda.com
- Website: http://www.digicelgroup.com/bm/en/mobile.html