Basics
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, also called either Cocos Islands or Keeling Islands are an overseas territory of Australia. This group of islands is located in the Indian ocean midway between Australia and Sri Lanka. Around 600 inhabitants live on 14 km2. This is not be confused with the Cocos Islands off the coast of Costa Rica or the Coco Islands that are part of Myanmar.
In the Cocos or Keeling Islands there is one mobile network operator:
- IOTT
It operates a 2G/GSM-only network without any data service on an unknown frequency, most likely 900 MHz. Also they have no roaming, not even with Australian operators. So your SIM card from out of the islands probably won't work here.
There is also a network of a few WiFi hotspots, but don't expect it to be fast as up until recently a mere 2 Mbps satellite backhaul was shared by the 600 residents. The situation may get better with SkyMuster NBN rollout in the future.
IOTT
IOTT for Indian Ocean Territories Telecom PTY Ltd. is the only network on the island. They offer 2G/GSM only and don't offer any roaming services.
The SIMs are available from their Community Resource Centre (CRC) on West Island, colocated with tourism info, open Mon-Fri: 8am-3pm, Sat: 10am-3pm. Pre-booking is recommended. They can also arrange delivery to your accommodation to be there for your arrival. For more info check their info sheet. They also offer basic phone hire and WiFi vouchers (see next section).
Warning: Again, you won't get any data with this SIM, but it can be still useful for voice calls and SMS.
More info
- IOTT website: http://cocos.cc/
- IOTT rates and availability: http://cocos.cc/mobiles.html
- CRC website: http://www.cocos.crc.net.au
- CRC info sheet: http://www.cocos.crc.net.au/uploads/5/6/1/5/56151227/pre-booking_wifi_mobiles.pdf
WiFi vouchers (by CRC)
The Community Resource Centre (CRC) sells WiFi vouchers for hotspots around the islands. All vouchers are for a single device only and are per time, not per volume. Remember that internet is very slow, so don't expect to do much in 10 minutes. The vouchers are in following denominations:
- 1 hour for AUD 6.95
- 1 day for AUD 19.95
- 1 week for AUD 64.95
Vouchers are sold at CRC on West Island, colocated with tourism info, open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Pre-booking is recommended. They can also arrange your vouchers to be delivered at your accommodation before you arrive. For more info see their info sheet.
WiFi hotspots are available at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Community Resource Centre, Maxie’s By The Sea, Cocos Club, Cocos Cottages, Cocos Beach Motel, Cocos Village Bungalows, Cocos Castaway, My Island Home, The Donga and the main shelter on Direction Island.
More info
- Website: http://www.cocos.crc.net.au
- WiFi hotspot information: http://www.cocos.crc.net.au/uploads/5/6/1/5/56151227/pre-booking_wifi_mobiles.pdf