Basics
The Czech Republic has 3 network operators:
- Vodafone (British-owned)
- O2 (owned by PPF)
- T-Mobile (owned by German Deutsche Telekom)
Since a few years already more than 50 MVNOs have started: COOP mobile, TESCO mobile, mobil.cz, OpenCall and SAZKA mobile are given as examples for good data rates, but there are still more on the market.
2G/GSM covers all of the country on 900 and 1800 MHz like in the rest of Europe. 3G/UMTS is on 2100 MHz in most of the areas. 4G/LTE is on:
- 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz on Vodafone: available for all users
- 800/1800 MHz on O2 and T-Mobile: available for all users
Vodafone has the best 4G coverage in 2015. According to the Czech Telecommunication Office 93% of population on 76% of the territory get Vodafone's LTE. O2 and T-Mobile build up their LTE together and reach 82% on 43% in 2015.
SIM cards are available in the stores of the network operators or in many supermarkets. Recharge vouchers can be bought at many kiosks, post offices and petrol stations.
Unlike in many other European countries, you will lose all credit on a Czech SIM card if you don't top up your balance periodically; periodic usage is not enough. A very effective way to use up surplus credit on a Czech SIM card is to spend it on premium SMS for tickets on public transport in Prague. Tickets purchased this way cost the network's standard SMS charge plus the price of the ticket.
Vodafone
Vodafone is the smallest of the 3 nationwide network providers by customers numbers in the Czech Republic. As of January 2015 it has the best coverage of combined 3G and 4G. LTE runs on 5 different frequencies: 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 Mhz. 900 MHz is used mostly in the countryside and 2100 Mhz in some cities but supported by very few phones sold in Europe (see Network Compatibility of common phones). If you are not sure of the frequencies supported by your phone, you can rent Vodafone Hotspot for Visitors, which supports all the frequencies in Czech, see here. For coverage map see here. Vodafone's LTE is called "Turbo Internet" and is available without surcharges.
Startup costs
A prepaid Czech Vodafone startup SIM cards cost 200 CZK and come with an equal amount of credit. The default PIN is 1234 and the SIM is automatically activated when placed in your phone. The SIM is available in Vodafone stores (store locator) and kiosks. If you buy a SIM at the Vodafone store, you may activate any special service such as data right away.
Top-ups are not possible online with a non-Czech credit card, but you may pay with credit card at some shops or ATMs. Vouchers are sold by post offices, kiosks, supermarkets, betting halls etc. for CZK 250, 500 and 1200. It doesn't matter which prepaid line from Vodafone you buy, as long as your are using data only as the packages are all the same for prepaid.
Data packages
You can sign up for a data option when you buy the SIM, but be sure not to use data until you get a confirmation SMS. The best way for signing up is at the store when you buy the SIM or online on the Self Care Center (which is available in English) here: Volume-based offers valid for a month:
- 500 MB: CZK 249
- 1.5 GB: CZK 399
- 4 GB: CZK 519
- 10 GB: CZK 999
When data volume is used up and sufficient balance is available, data FUP is extended. Once a data plan is activated, it remains in effect for one month (till the end of a month with prepaid cards) and is renewed automatically until you cancel it yourself (if you have a credit balance). If you do not have enough credit at the time of renewal, your rate will automatically changed to the daily default rate.
Offers for visitors
Vodafone, as the only provider in Czech, has special prepaid solutions specifically for the needs of the visitors of the Czech Republic. If you want to use internet in the Czech Republic and you fly to Prague, it is the best choice for you to stop by the Vodafone store at the Vaclav Havel Airport at Terminal 2, which is only a 3-minute walk from Terminal 1. Ask the information desk for directions. It is opened 7am-9pm every day (except holidays) and English is spoken. Special stores for the Visitors SIM.
- Data SIM for Visitors: 10 GB within 30 days for CZK 800. Unlimited calls to the Vodafone CZ network are included.
- Hotspot for Visitors: "Unlimited" browsing on a MiFi with up to 8 devices for 2 weeks 800 CZK, 4 weeks 1000 CZK or 8 weeks 1500 CZK. This offer is available at Prague Airport store and two shops downtown Prague (Wenceslas square and Palladium store - not kiosk). You have to pay a refundable deposit of 1500 CZK for the device. There is a Fair Use Policy of 20 GB in place for the rental.
More promotional offers can be found here but may be available only in selected shops.
Technical details
- APN: internet
- SIM sizes: comes as flexi SIM, so both standard and micro SIMs are supported. Nano SIM is also available in all Vodafone stores.
- tethering: yes, allowed
- check balance with *22#
- dedicated English line (opened on weekdays): +420 776 975 324
O2
O2 still has a good coverage in the country giving you good speed and coverage. 4G/LTE is on 800 and 1800 Mhz and available for prepaid coverage map.
Startup costs
O2 prepaid SIM is called "NA!DLOUHO", and costs 99 CZK, with 150CZK credit inculded. (Jun 2015). O2 Store Locator
Top up vouchers can be found at O2 stores, kiosks, petrol stations and supermarkets in quantities of 200, 300 and 500 CZK.
To get your phone settings, text "IVMNASTAV" to 999555. You will receive an SMS shortly afterwards with details. If asked for a PIN code, use 12345 or 1234.
Data packs
All tariffs can added by the same data packages, so the product lines only differ for calls and texts. You can add the following packages.
- Internet on your mobile S: 50 MB in 7 days for CZK 50, activation code: IVMS
- Internet on your mobile M: 375 MB in 7 days for CZK 90, activation code: IVMM
- Internet on your mobile L: 3 GB in 30 days for CZK 550, activation code: IVML
- internet on your mobile XL: 10 GB in 30 days for CZK 800, activation code: IVMXL
For activation text the code to 999111. The package will renew every week/month if there is enough credit. To disenable text DIV# (# = package size) to 999111.
The default rate outside of package is CZK 30 for 24 hours and 30 MB with the first hour charged a maximum of CZK 15. After reaching this or the package limit, speed will be reduced to 16 kbps.
Technical information
Once SIM is installed, settings are automatically sent by SMS, from which you can press 'install'
- APN: internet
- Check balance with *104*#
- Generally standard SIM cards are available as well as mini or nano SIM.
- O2 doesn't allow tethering and disenable it on iOs. On Android phones it is possible. Other providers don't restrict.
- Website (partly in English): o2 mobile internet
T-Mobile
tmobile
Czech T-Mobile has good 2G and 3G coverage throughout the Czech Republic rivalling with O2 and Vodafone: coverage map. 4G/LTE is now also open for prepaid on 800 and 1800 MHz.
Startup costs
Their prepaid line is called Twist and sold in T-mobile stores store locator and the markets of Mall, Alza, Comfor, CZC, Tesco, Space Electro and Electro World. Top ups can be made in a lot of agencies.
A Twist prepaid SIM card is sold for CZK 200 with the CZK 100 to 200 balance. The card has a PIN that is printed on the card holder along with the other codes.
Data packs
Their default rate (out of bundle) is a cheap 0.40 CZK per MB.
- 25 MB in a day (24 hrs) for 24 CZK (daily cap)
- 40 MB in a week for 39 CZK (weekly cap)
- 300 MB in a month for 239 CZK
Data-only SIM
T-Mobile offers a data-only SIM called "Twist Online" intended for tablets and laptops. It is sold for CZK 200 with the same credit at their stores and Electro World, Tesco, Makro, CSZ, Comfor, Alza as well as Czech post offices. This SIM doesn't have packages but the lowest default rate in the country: 0.40 CZK per MB.
Technical Info
- SIM sizes: the Twist SIM has a cut-out line suggesting that it can be converted to Micro-SIM format
- Tethering: allowed
- APN: internet.t-mobile.cz
COOP Mobil
COOP Mobil is a MVNO operating on the Czech Vodafone network on 2G and 3G. It is sold exclusively at the COOP supermarkets throughout the Czech Republic: store locator. Top ups can be made there too and in some kiosks. Vouchers are available for CZK 150, 250 and 400.
Startup costs
The prepaid SIM card in tariff "Start" is sold for CZK 200 with the same balance on it. Startup credit is valid for 3 months.
Data packs
The default tariff is CZK 20 for 25 MB per day = 24 hours. After data is used up the speed will be reduced. Further 25 MB packs can be bought online for 20 CZK. Two monthly packs are available:
- 300 MB for 159 CZK, upsize: 100 MB for 60 CZK
- 1 GB for 399 CZK, no upsize.
All the add-ons and monthly packages must be booked by calling costumer service *55 free of charge which may be tricky in English.
Technical info
- SIM stays active outgoing for 3 months and incoming for 6 months after the last top up
- credit stays valid for 3 month
- APN: internet
TESCO Mobil
TESCO Mobil is the MVNO from Czech's leading cash'n'carry supermarket chain. It is operating on the fair O2 network in 2G and 3G and sold exclusively at the supermarkets throughout the Czech Republic: TESCO store locator. Top ups can be made there and in kiosks, petrol stations or the drugstore chain Rossmann.
Startup costs
The prepaid SIM card is sold for CZK 150 with the same credit on it in their stores or online to be sent to Czech address. The startup credit is valid for 3 months.
Data packs
The default tariff is the daily tariff. After data is used up the speed will be reduced to 200 kbps.
The following packs are available (for all new subscribers from March 2015):
- 50 MB per calendar day: 19 CZK, default rate
- 100 MB in 30 days for 99 CZK, activation: MINI A
- 300 MB in 30 days for 199 CZK, activation: MIDI A
- 1 GB in 30 days for 299 CZK, activation: MAXI A
Speed is capped for the two small packs at 8/2 Mb/s, for the large packs at 20/2 Mb/s. To activate text code to 999346. The bundle will renew automatically every month if you have credit. When volume is used up, you can reset the volume for 79 CZK by texting INTERNET R to 999346.
Technical info
- SIM stays valid for 1 year after the last top-up
- APN: internet
SAZKAmobil
SAZKAmobil of the betting agency SAZKA started in 2014 as MVNO. It operates on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G only.
Startup costs
The prepaid SIM card is available for CZK 150 in many stores shown here: tick the shopping basket or online to be sent to a Czech postal address. It comes with the same credit of CZK 150 preloaded.
You need to place a call to activate the SIM card after having put it in your device.
Data packs
Default tariff is the daily rate of CZK 20 for 25 MB. For more data, they offer these monthly packages:
- 150 MB: CZK 150.
- 300 MB: CZK 200.
- 500 MB: CZK 250.
- 1 GB: CZK 350.
To book a package, you have to this online on your account. This might be tricky, as it's only in Czech. First, you need to click the right columm to get a password by SMS to your phone. Then you need to put in your phone number and the password to access the client's area and book a package.
Technical info
- APN: sazkamobil
mobil.cz
Mobil.cz is a MVNO owned by the Czech media group MAFRA. It operates on the T-Mobile network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE with speeds up to 10 Mbit/s (for coverage see T-Mobile).
Startup costs
The prepaid SIM card is available for CZK 200 at many newsagents like Relay or Valmont in the country(locator) or online to be sent to a Czech postal address. You'll get a triple hybrid card with all three sizes perforated. It comes with a credit of CZK 200 and 200 MB data preloaded valid for one month.
You need to make a paid call to activate the SIM card after having put it in your device. It may take some minutes to hours until the internet connection is established thereafter.
You can top up online by credit card, at SAZKA terminals, at ATMs (holding a Czech bank account) or by vouchers sold at newsagents. Minimum recharge amount is CZK 200. Credit stays valid for 6 months and SIM card needs to be loaded at least every year to stay alive.
Data packs
Mobil.cz advertises with 'free internet'. This means that you get up to 200 MB in high speed valid for 30 days for free, every time you top up. Exceeding this quota, you can again recharge, buy a data package or will be throttled to 32 kbit/s.
Alternatively, you can purchase one of their data packages:
- 80 MB: 60 CZK for 10 days in CZ
- 1 GB: 300 CZK for 30 days in CZ - max. speed is increased to 20 Mbit/s.
- 100 MB EU roaming data: 185 CZK in 30 days
To check data consumption and activate packages type *145# or online on your account. To check credit, type *146# on your device.
Technical info
- APN: internet.t-mobile.cz
- Username and Password: GPRS
OpenCall Mobile
OpenCall is a favourite among expatriates in the Czech Republic since it started in 2013. This MVNO is run by DH Telecom on the network of Vodafone in 2G and 3G only. It's known for having the lowest interntl. call rates.
Startup costs
The prepaid SIM card is available for free online to be sent to a Czech postal address or from retailers all around the country (list) for CZK 200 with an initial credit of CZK 200.
You need to place a call to activate the SIM card after having put it in your device. OpenCall easy is their default tariff and can be activated by typing *111*0# <call>.
You can top up online by credit card, using SAZKA mobile vouchers (see above), at EVA terminals in service stations, Supercash terminals at post offices or by vouchers sold at their retailers. Minimum recharge amount is CZK 200. SIM card needs to be loaded at least every six months to stay alive.
Data packs
Default rate is the daily pack. Furthermore, they offer these monthly bundles:
- 25 MB in 24 hours: 25 CZK - default rate
- 150 MB in 1 month: 99 CZK, activation: *130*1#
- 300 MB in 1 month: 149 CZK, activation: *130*2#
- 500 MB in 1 month: 199 CZK, activation: *130*3#
- 1 GB in 1 month: 299 CZK, activation: *130*4#
From 31.7.2015, monthly data packages are activated with automatic data renew. To stop, type *131*3#. To renew your package ahead of time, type *130*0#. Otherwise, you will be throttled to 32 kbps when the quota is exceeded. Check consumption by typing *130*#.
Technical info
- APN: inet