# Universal `--connectivity` Section

Foreign-buyer broadband / fixed-internet profile: official address-level fibre availability checker, dominant ISPs with FTTH product line, tariff bands (entry / mid / gigabit) with currency + EUR/USD equivalent, FTTH urban coverage, rural fallback (5G FWA / Starlink / fixed-wireless), Starlink licence status, build-era / strata trap, country-specific quirk. Covers all 126 supported countries.

**Snapshot**: May 2026. Tariffs from carrier price pages May 2026 unless noted; FX-volatile markets (AR, TR, EG, NG, LB) use ~May 2026 rates — bands age in months not years. Starlink licence status moves — verify the [Starlink coverage map](https://www.starlink.com/map) + the national regulator before relying on the registry below for time-critical purchases.

**Anti-hallucination**: every checker URL must resolve to a regulator or government broadband portal; tariff figures must be from a carrier price page (linked) or sourced to a regulator's price-comparator (e.g. CRC CO, OCECPR CY, NMHH HU AMCI, OSIPTEL PE, BTC SE PTS). Where a checker doesn't exist nationally, the entry says `no national checker — query carrier direct`. Where a precise FTTH percentage isn't published as a national statistic, the entry says `~Xx% urban (regulator estimate)` rather than asserting a national figure. Forbidden phrasings — see [`shared/anti-hallucination.md` § Forbidden phrasings](./anti-hallucination.md) for the full replacement table; in this doc tariffs and FTTH figures are sourced or hedged with `~` / `est.` per the contract.

**Disambiguation — `--connectivity` vs `--digital-nomad` vs `--mains`**: `--connectivity` = address-level broadband verification (fibre availability checker, ISP list, tariff bands, rural fallback, Starlink licence, strata trap) for property buyers. `--digital-nomad` = nomad-specific filter (national Speedtest tier, coworking density, time-zone overlap, DNV availability) — uses national medians, not address-level data. `--mains` = utility verification (sewer / water / gas / electricity), occasionally references the dominant ISP. When both run, this section is the authoritative broadband layer.

## Universal contract

For the property's country, return:

1. **Broadband-checker URL** — official primary-source address-level fibre availability map (regulator or state portal). If none exists, say `no national checker — query carrier direct` and link the dominant carrier's coverage tool.
2. **Dominant ISPs** — 3-5 named carriers with FTTH product line + market position (incumbent / cable / altnet / muni / satellite-fallback). Where a wholesale-retail split exists (UK Openreach, IT Open Fiber, NL KPN/Glaspoort, JP NTT FLET'S, AU nbn co, NZ Chorus + LFCs, IS Míla + Ljósleiðarinn), call it out.
3. **Tariff bands (date-stamped 2025-2026)**: entry (~50-100 Mbps) / mid (~300-500 Mbps) / gigabit. Local currency + EUR or USD equivalent. State whether **internet-only or bundle (TV+landline included)**. Add install fee + standard contract length (12mo / 24mo / no-contract).
4. **FTTH urban coverage + rural fallback** — what's available outside the fibre footprint (DSL/VDSL on legacy copper, 5G FWA from which carrier, Starlink, fixed-wireless / WISP, satellite). Rural-vs-urban gap matters: national FTTH percentages frequently mask 30-70 point urban-vs-rural splits.
5. **Starlink licence status (CALENDAR-ACTIONABLE REGISTRY)** — `licensed` (with date + regulator press release) / `pending` (no commercial licence yet) / `banned` / `grey-market` / `not-yet-on-coverage-map`. Status moves; cross-check against the national regulator + Starlink coverage map.
6. **Build-era / strata trap** — country-specific (e.g. older condominium needs HOA / SVJ / borettslag / talohyhtiö / consorcio / asamblea / kat malikleri kurulu / 小区 / mahalla approval for new fibre riser; gated estate has anchor-ISP exclusivity).
7. **Quirk** — one-line country-specific note (e.g. ZA load-shedding → ISP UPS premium; LB Ogero rebuild post-2019 banking collapse + EDL outages mandate generator; CN GFW + IPLC dedicated-international-line $1k-3k+/mo for foreigners; AR FX volatility means USD-equivalents fluctuate monthly; BR fibre cheap relative to GDP per capita; MV Starlink primary-tier on outer atolls).
8. **Confidence**: HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW

## Output template

```markdown
## Broadband & Connectivity Profile

**Country**: <ISO2>
**Address-level checker**: <regulator URL or "no national checker — carrier direct">
**Dominant ISPs**: <3-5 carriers with positioning>
**Tariffs (May 2026)**: entry <local + EUR/USD>, mid <local + EUR/USD>, gigabit <local + EUR/USD>; <internet-only / bundle>; install <fee>; <12mo / 24mo / no-contract>
**FTTH urban + rural fallback**: <urban %; rural option>
**Starlink**: <licensed YYYY-MM-DD / pending / banned / grey>
**Build trap**: <strata / HOA / riser / heritage>
**Quirk**: <country-specific>
**Confidence**: HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW
**Sources**: <URLs — checker + carrier price pages + Starlink registry>
```

## Cross-cutting traps to surface every time

These appear across multiple countries and warrant a buyer-facing flag whenever the user is shopping abroad:

1. **"Fibre available" on the listing ≠ active line at this unit** — the listing/agent may report neighbourhood FTTH availability; the actual flat may need 4-12 weeks for an Openreach / CETIN / Open Fiber / Chorus / nbn co / NetLink / LFC truck-roll. Always (a) check the official regulator address-checker, (b) ask the seller for the **active line ID** (e.g. UK Openreach connection ref, FR référence prise PTO, ES código ICT) before signing.

2. **National FTTH percentages mask rural/urban gaps** — Spain 92% national vs 79% rural; UK 74% national but 90%+ urban with isolated rural gaps; France 91% homes-passed but rural commune averages drop to 50%; Brazil ~70% national but highly skewed to capital + tier-1 cities; Australia mixes FTTP + FTTC + FTTN + HFC + Fixed Wireless + Sky Muster — the same nbn statistic can mean very different real-world experience. Always query at-address, not at-country.

3. **Starlink legality varies — and changes** — currently **banned**: CN, IR, SY, RU, BY, AF, CU, KP. **Pending / no-commercial-licence**: SA, MA, EG, BH, KW, AM, AZ, GE, UZ, TH (frequency-stage), TR, SS, SD, IL (security review), some Caribbean. **Licensed in flight / disputed**: ZA (ICASA 30%-BEE-equity blocker — grey via roaming; expected legal launch 2026-2027), IN (DOT GMPCS pending), JM (explicitly blocked), BZ (PUC retail-blocked, rural/emergency only). **Recently licensed**: AE (TDRA licence 28 Aug 2026), JO (Feb 2026), CO (Apr 2024), NG (May 2023), KE (Jul 2023), UA-D2C (Jun 2025 via Kyivstar), KZ (2024), MY (2024), KH (2024), BS (2023), TW (2024), ID (2024). Status moves fast — re-verify before relying.

4. **5G FWA does not replace fibre for upload-heavy work** — 5G Home / fixed-wireless typically offers strong download (200-500 Mbps consistent) but asymmetric upload (10-50 Mbps). Symmetric-gigabit FTTH or true PTP-ethernet (only common in IS Reykjavík Fibre, KR/JP/SG/HK/TW/TH urban metros, US muni-fibre Chattanooga/Longmont, FR symmetric-gigabit add-on tiers) is required for video conferencing at scale, large-file syncs, screen-share. Listings that say "1 Gbps" almost always mean 1 Gbps DL / 50-200 Mbps UL.

5. **Strata / HOA / riser approval can stall fibre install for months** — older apartment blocks frequently need general-assembly approval before a new fibre riser is run. **Strong individual right-to-fibre laws** (single owner can install over assembly objection): FR (Loi Pintat / CPCE L.34-8-3), IT (D.Lgs. 259/2003 Art. 91 + Law 12/2019), PT (DL 123/2009), ES (Ley 9/2014). **Assembly approval routinely required**: DE Mietshaus pre-1995, AT WEG Eigentümerversammlung, NL VvE majority, BE syndic AG, CH Stockwerkeigentum Verwaltung, SE BRF / DK ejerforening / FI taloyhtiö (often pre-locked by bulk contract), CZ panelák SVJ, HU társasház közgyűlés, RU/socialist-era ОСББ across CEE/Balkans, IL Israeli condominium board, IN society/RWA AGM, ZA body corporate, AU Owners Corporation, JP マンション 管理組合, KR 아파트 단지. Allow 4-12 weeks if assembly approval is required.

6. **Municipal / state monopolies in microstates and small markets** — single licensed operator, no negotiation, often ties to expat residency:
   - **MC** Monaco Telecom (Iliad-controlled) — sole licensed operator
   - **AD** Andorra Telecom (state STA) — sole licensed operator
   - **LI** FL1 (Telecom Liechtenstein) — effective monopoly
   - **SM** TIM San Marino — sole licensed fibre operator
   - **MV** Dhiraagu / Ooredoo Maldives — duopoly, Starlink as 4th player
   - **UY** Antel (state) — historic monopoly, partially liberalised post-2023
   - **EC** CNT (state) — universal-service obligation, often sole rural option
   - **CV** CVTelecom (former state monopoly) — limited competition
   - **MO** CTM — near-monopoly, regulated price reductions
   - **LB** Ogero (state) — wholesale + retail incumbent post-banking-collapse
   - **CN** Telecom / Unicom / Mobile (state trio) — no private alternative
   - **EG** WE / Telecom Egypt (~80% subs) — dominant state ISP
   - **BZ** BTL Digi (state) — effective fibre monopoly
   
   Microstate buyers should price the lack of competition into TCO; expect 10-30% premium over comparable regional tariffs and longer install-windows.

7. **Contract length traps + bundle pricing** — 24-month locks are EU-norm (DE Telekom MagentaZuhause 24mo standard, AT A1 24mo, IT TIM 24mo, PT MEO/NOS 24mo with steep early-exit fees, RO/HU/SK 24mo). UK now **anti-CPI-rise** post-Ofcom 2024 reform but step-rises (BT +£4 every 31 March) replaced the old CPI+3.9%. ES Digi / PT Digi / UK altnets often **no-permanencia / no-contract**. Promo "first-12-months at €X" tariffs nearly double at month 13 — read the steady-state price. Bundle-with-TV is the published price in many markets — strip out the TV cost when comparing internet-only (where the carrier publishes it). 24-month contract subsidies are often clawed back on early exit + landlord-departure clauses are not standard.

---

## Regional patterns

### Western Europe + Microstates (FR, DE, UK, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, IE, PT, LU, MC, AD, LI, SM, MT)

Western Europe splits into (a) high-FTTH + strong consumer-protection markets (FR, ES, PT, IE, NL, LU, MT) where gigabit is mainstream and switching is friction-light; (b) cable-vs-fibre transition markets (DE, AT, BE, CH, IT) where take-up lags coverage and 24mo locks dominate; (c) UK as wholesale-retail-Openreach-style market with strongest individual right-to-fibre laws and many altnets; and (d) microstate monopolies (MC, AD, LI, SM) where one licensed operator covers >95% FTTH at 10-30% premium. Starlink licensed in all 17 (date precision varies; FR re-authorised 2 Jun 2022 after Conseil d'État revocation).

- **FR**: Checker [maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr](https://maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr/) (ARCEP). ISPs: Orange (incumbent FTTH) / Free (altnet, aggressive) / SFR (cable+FTTH) / Bouygues. Tariffs (May 2026): entry Sosh ~€20, mid Bbox ~€36, gigabit [Orange Livebox Up Fibre €39.99 promo / €51.99 standard](https://boutique.orange.fr/internet/offres-fibre/livebox-up-fibre); install €40-89; **12mo standard**; internet-only via Sosh/Free. FTTH ~91% national homes-passed (FTTH Council 2026); rural 5G FWA (Free Box 5G / Bouygues 5G Box) + Starlink. Starlink licensed 18 Feb 2021, briefly revoked Apr 2022 by Conseil d'État, re-authorised 2 Jun 2022 (ARCEP). **Trap**: copropriété cannot block individual FTTH per **Loi Pintat / CPCE L.34-8-3** — single owner has right-to-fibre; install 4-12 weeks via "open-loop". **Quirk**: most consumer boxes asymmetric (1 Gbps DL / 600 Mbps UL); symmetric add-on €49.99 (Free Pop / Livebox Max). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **DE**: Checker [Breitbandatlas](https://www.breitbandatlas.de/) (BNetzA / BMDV). ISPs: Deutsche Telekom (incumbent FTTH/VDSL) / Vodafone (cable+fibre) / 1&1 (challenger) / Deutsche Glasfaser (altnet). Tariffs (May 2026): entry Telekom MagentaZuhause Fiber 50 ~€39.95, mid Glasfaser 300 ~€45.95, gigabit Glasfaser 1000 €70.95; install ~€69.95; **24mo contract** (first 3mo at €9.95 promo); landline included, TV separate. FTTH ~37% homes-passed Q4-2024 ([BNetzA Gigabit-Grundbuch](https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2024/20241205_Giga.html)) — far below EU avg; rural fallback VDSL Vectoring + Vodafone DOCSIS 3.1 + 5G FWA (Telekom HomeNet, Vodafone GigaCube) + Starlink. Starlink licensed 23 Dec 2020 ([BNetzA](https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2020/20201218_Starlink.html)). **Trap**: pre-1995 Mietshaus often no fibre riser; landlord consent required; *Hausbesitzer*-driven Glasfaserausbau cancelled if take-rate threshold not reached (rural). **Quirk**: *Bereitstellungsumlage* (cable tenant levy via Nebenkostenabrechnung) phased out July 2024 — re-read rental contract. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **UK**: Checker [Ofcom Broadband Checker](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage). ISPs: BT/Openreach (incumbent FTTP) / Virgin Media O2 (cable+fibre) / CityFibre (altnet wholesale) / Sky / TalkTalk + 100+ altnets (Hyperoptic, Community Fibre). Tariffs (May 2026): entry Plusnet/Sky Fibre 36 ~£28, mid Sky Stream 145M ~£32, gigabit [BT Full Fibre 900 £31.99/mo](https://bestbroadbanddeals.co.uk/broadband/providers/bt/full-fibre-900/) (24mo); install often free; internet-only standard; CPI+3.9% annual rises **banned 2024** — replaced by fixed £-step rises (BT +£4 every 31 March). FTTP ~74% Jan 2025, forecast 91% mid-2026 ([Ofcom Connected Nations 2025](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/connected-nations-update-spring-2025)); rural BT FTTC + EE 5G Home + Starlink. Starlink gateway licence 18 Aug 2021, terminal Nov 2020 ([Ofcom](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/manage-your-licence/satellite-earth-stations/ngso/existing-licences/network/starlink-internet-services-limited.pdf)). **Trap**: leasehold flats need freeholder wayleave; new-build estates may have only one altnet wired (CityFibre/Hyperoptic monopoly until Openreach overbuild). **Quirk**: PSTN copper switch-off (Openreach Digital Voice migration) **extended to Jan 2027** — fibre voice mandatory; lift phones / alarms must be tested. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **IT**: Checker [Infratel BUL Map](https://bandaultralarga.italia.it/mappa/) + AGCOM. ISPs: TIM (incumbent FTTH/FTTC) / Fastweb (FTTH+wholesale) / WindTre / Vodafone Italia + Open Fiber (wholesale-only altnet). Tariffs (May 2026): entry [TIM WiFi Casa Fibra €29.90](https://www.tim.it/fisso-e-mobile/fibra-e-adsl/fibra-internet-casa) (FTTH up to 2.5 Gbps), mid Fastweb Casa Light ~€27.95, gigabit/10G TIM Premium €34.90; install free with bank domiciliation; modem €5/mo × 48mo or own; **24mo standard contract**; landline included. FTTH ~62% homes-passed but only ~28% take-up ([FTTH Council 2024](https://www.ftthcouncil.eu/resources/all-publications-and-assets/2154/2024-ftth-market-panorama-report-by-country)); rural TIM FTTC VDSL + WindTre/Linkem 5G FWA + Eolo FWA + Starlink. Starlink live since Sept 2021 (AGCOM/MIMIT authorised). **Trap**: pre-2014 condominio assembly **NOT** required for individual fibre install per **Art. 91 D.Lgs. 259/2003 + Law 12/2019** — single owner has right-to-fibre; shared riser may still need administrator sign-off. **Quirk**: dual-network reality (TIM legacy + Open Fiber new-build) — same address coverage may differ between operators; check Infratel BUL map per civic, not per street. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **ES**: Checker [CNMC banda ancha cobertura](https://www.cnmc.es/en/ambitos-de-actuacion/promocion-de-la-competencia/estadisticas-y-biblioteca) + [MINETUR](https://avance.digital.gob.es/en-us/paginas/index.aspx). ISPs: Movistar (Telefónica, incumbent) / Orange-MásMóvil (merged 2024, #2) / Vodafone España (sold to Zegona) / Digi (Romanian disruptor). Tariffs (May 2026): entry [Digi 1 Gbps fibra €10/mo](https://contaspoupanca.pt/) (yes, internet-only — cheapest in EU); mid O2 300M ~€30; gigabit [Movistar Solo Fibra 1G €29.90 promo / €45 standard](https://www.kelisto.es/fibra-optica/operadores/movistar/movistar-fibra-1-gbps); install free; **no permanencia** (no minimum term); landline usually included. FTTH ~92% homes-passed (highest in EU per [Lyntia / FTTH Council](https://www.lyntia.com/en/news/fibre-optic-spain-vs-europe/)); 79% rural FTTH; rural Movistar Internet Radio (5G+4G FWA) + Starlink + Eurona FWA. Starlink licensed CNMC ~May 2021 (verify). **Trap**: comunidad de propietarios — single owner has right-to-fibre under **Ley 9/2014**, riser route across common areas may need administrator notification; pre-2003 ICT-regulation buildings often need new vertical wiring. **Quirk**: Digi's €10 gigabit pressures incumbents — very fluid pricing 2026 post Orange-MásMóvil consolidation. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **NL**: Checker [glasvezel.nl](https://www.glasvezel.nl/) postcode-checker + KPN/Ziggo postcode tools (no single ACM checker — query carriers). ISPs: KPN (incumbent FTTH) / Ziggo (Vodafone/Liberty Global, DOCSIS 3.1) / Odido (T-Mobile NL) / Delta (regional FTTH). Tariffs (May 2026): entry KPN Internet 100 ~€42.50, mid 500M ~€50, gigabit [KPN 1 Gbps glasvezel €55-67.50](https://www.kpn.com/internet/glasvezel) (first 6mo €35); install free; **1-year contract standard**; KPN raising prices +3.3% from 1 Jul 2026. FTTH ~70% homes-passed, 83% rural ([FTTH Council 2024](https://www.ftthcouncil.eu/resources/all-publications-and-assets/2154/2024-ftth-market-panorama-report-by-country)); rural Ziggo cable + KPN VDSL + 5G FWA (T-Mobile, KPN) + Starlink. Starlink active in NL (RDI verify). **Trap**: VvE approval for new building entry (typically simple majority); pre-1990 cable-only buildings may lack fibre riser. **Quirk**: KPN/Glaspoort wholesale model — same fibre often resold by Tweak / Solcon / T-Mobile/Odido at different prices; check open-access status before signing. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **BE**: Checker [BIPT Atlas](https://www.bipt.be/consumers/telephone-internet-tv/comparing-operators/network-coverage) + Proximus/Telenet postcode checks. ISPs: Proximus (incumbent FTTH new-build, DSL legacy) / Telenet (Liberty Global, DOCSIS in Flanders) / VOO (Wallonia cable, now Orange Belgium) / Orange Belgium (mobile + reselling). Tariffs (May 2026): entry Proximus Internet Start ~€45, mid Mega Fiber TV ~€62.99, gigabit [Proximus Giga/Ultra Fiber €74.99 promo (3mo) / €65-75](https://www.proximus.be/en/internet-subscription); install often free; contract-free option available. FTTH ~33% homes-passed late-2024 (laggard — Fiberklaar/Proximus JV ongoing); rural Telenet/VOO cable + Proximus VDSL + Orange 5G Home + Starlink. Starlink live (Residential Lite €35/mo since 2024-25 [ITdaily](https://itdaily.com/news/network/starlink-residential-lite-belgium-netherlands/)). **Trap**: copropriété/mede-eigendom — Walloon and Flemish syndic must approve riser via general assembly; cable-Telenet/VOO regional duopoly historically squeezed competition (now under wholesale-access remedies). **Quirk**: language regions matter — fibre rollout pace differs Flanders vs Wallonia vs Brussels; consumer-comparator tool [BIPT meilleurtarif.be](https://www.meilleurtarif.be/). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **CH**: Checker [BAKOM/OFCOM Breitbandatlas](https://map.geo.admin.ch/?topic=funkundbreitband). ISPs: Swisscom (incumbent FTTH/FTTS) / Sunrise (cable+fibre, UPC merger) / Salt (challenger fibre) / Init7 (premium). Tariffs (May 2026): entry [Swisscom blue Internet S CHF 59.90](https://www.swisscom.ch/en/residential/internet-subscription/blue-internet-s.html), mid blue M (1 Gbit/s) CHF 79.90 (post Apr 2026 +CHF 1.90 hike, [source](https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/news/2026/01/27-preisanpassungen.html)), top blue L 10 Gbit/s CHF 89.90; Sunrise Easy Internet 1 Gbit/s from CHF 39.90; install CHF 99 typical; **12mo or contract-free**. FTTH ~50% homes-passed (Swisscom mixed FTTH/FTTS deployment slowed post-2020 by Comco antitrust ruling on point-to-multipoint); rural VDSL + Salt 5G Home + Starlink. Starlink live since Aug 2021. **Trap**: Stockwerkeigentum — *Verwaltung* approval needed for new riser; older Mehrfamilienhäuser often have only one fibre tenant (Swisscom typically) until rewired. **Quirk**: BAKOM-mandated *Endkundenanschluss* + landlord obligation to allow fibre install (Art. 35a FMG); Swisscom point-to-multipoint vs point-to-point fibre architecture dispute may revisit pricing. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **AT**: Checker [RTR Breitbandatlas](https://breitbandatlas.gv.at/). ISPs: A1 Telekom Austria (incumbent FTTH) / Magenta Telekom (DT — cable+fibre, ex-T-Mobile + UPC) / Drei (Hutchison) / openNet altnets. Tariffs (May 2026): entry A1 Glasfaser 50 ~€34.90, mid [A1 Glasfaser 250 €52.90](https://www.tarife.at/internet/a1-glasfaser-internet-250-36660), gigabit [A1 Glasfaser 1000 €79.90](https://www.tarife.at/internet/a1-glasfaser-internet-1000-36690); install €29.90; **24mo contract minimum** (first 6mo free promo); landline included. FTTH ~36% homes-passed (laggard); rural A1 VDSL + Magenta DOCSIS + Drei 5G Home Net + Starlink. Starlink live (RTR-GmbH verify). **Trap**: WEG (Wohnungseigentumsgemeinschaft) approval typically needed via Eigentümerversammlung (simple majority); rural Bundesländer (Burgenland, Kärnten) often DSL-only — verify exact address. **Quirk**: A1's 6mo-free + 20% discount creates large step-up at month 7 / month 25 — re-read the tariff sheet. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **IE**: Checker [ComReg broadband map](https://www.comreg.ie/) + Eir/SIRO/NBI postcode checks. ISPs: Eir (incumbent FTTH via openeir + retail) / Virgin Media Ireland (cable, Liberty Global) / SIRO (ESB+Vodafone JV altnet FTTH) / National Broadband Ireland (NBI — state rural FTTH). Tariffs (May 2026): entry [Virgin 250M ~€35](https://www.virginmedia.ie/broadband/buy-a-broadband-package/), mid SIRO/Vodafone 500M ~€35, gigabit [Eir 1Gbps €39.99 first 12mo / €85.99 thereafter](https://www.eir.ie/shop/broadband); 12mo contracts; install often free. FTTH ~80% national Q1-2025 (incl NBI rural rollout — top-quartile EU); rural NBI FTTH (~560k premises state-subsidised) + Eir/Vodafone 4G FWA + Starlink. Starlink live; ComReg satellite earth-station licence application 2025 ongoing ([ComReg 25/31](https://www.comreg.ie/publication/starlink-internet-services-limited-application-for-a-satellite-earth-station-licence)). **Trap**: rural property — verify NBI rollout status by **Eircode** at [nbi.ie](https://nbi.ie/) before purchase; some properties still 5+ years out. **Quirk**: SIRO's symmetric FTTH (1G/1G) often beats Eir's asymmetric retail experience. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **PT**: Checker [ANACOM cobertura](https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=362715). ISPs: MEO (Altice/Telefónica heritage incumbent) / NOS (cable+fibre, ZON+Optimus heritage) / Vodafone Portugal (fibre via wholesale) / Digi Portugal (entered 2022 — ultra-cheap). Tariffs (May 2026): internet-only [Digi 1Gbps €10/mo](https://4gnews.pt/) (cheapest in Europe); MEO/NOS 1G €14.99/mo internet-only; gigabit + TV bundle MEO/NOS €42.49, Vodafone €42.50, Digi €22; **24mo contracts** standard for incumbents; install often free. FTTH ~90% homes-passed, ~70% rural ([FTTH Council 2024](https://www.ftthcouncil.eu/)); rural NOS DOCSIS + MEO 5G FWA + Starlink (live with Madeira/Azores). Starlink live since Jun 2021 (ANACOM coordination). **Trap**: condominium — Portuguese horizontal property law allows individual fibre install via **DL 123/2009** (right-to-fibre); rural Alentejo/Trás-os-Montes still has FWA-only pockets. **Quirk**: 24mo lock-in with steep early-exit fees (incumbents); Digi escapes this with **0-permanência** model — leverage when negotiating. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **LU**: Checker [ILR Map](https://web.ilr.lu/). ISPs: POST Luxembourg (incumbent FTTH — wholesale shared) / Tango (Proximus subsidiary) / Orange Luxembourg / Eltrona / Luxembourg Online (all use POST FTTH via regulated wholesale). Tariffs (May 2026): entry POST/Tango 100M ~€35, mid 500M ~€45, [gigabit ~€45-55 across providers](https://switchr.lu/en/internet/post-internet-luxembourg/); install often free; 24mo standard; landline + TV typically bundled. FTTH ~95%+ homes-passed (POST near-universal); rural 5G FWA + Starlink (rural pocket tiny). Starlink live (ILR verify). **Trap**: POST FTTH wholesale-only — retail switch easy but POST owns in-building fibre; copropriété approval may be needed for new riser in older Limpertsberg/Bonnevoie buildings. **Quirk**: tiny market — only one fibre network (POST); competition is at retail layer only. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MC**: **No national checker — [Monaco Telecom direct](https://monaco-telecom.mc/) only** (sole licensed operator; Iliad/Niel-controlled). Tariffs (May 2026): entry [Basic 500M €34.99 first 12mo / €39.99](https://monaco-telecom.mc/offres-fibre/), mid Comfort 2 Gbps €39.99 promo / €59.99, top Comfort+ 5 Gbps €49.99 / €69.99, **Premium 10 Gbps €59.99 promo / €99.99**; install free; all plans bundle TV + unlimited landline. FTTH ~100% (city-state, completed 2022); rural N/A. Starlink served via French gateway (Monaco-specific licence date data not publicly indexed — verify [Starlink map](https://starlink.com/map) + [DPRN Monaco — Direction des Plateformes et des Ressources Numériques](https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc/annuaire-des-services-administratifs/ministere-d-etat/secretariat-general-du-gouvernement/direction-des-plateformes-et-des-ressources-numeriques)). **Trap**: high-rise/copropriété — Monaco Telecom owns the riser; install fast but no operator switch. **Quirk**: **monopoly** — premium tier €99.99 reflects this; bundled TV often includes French + Italian premium channels not available elsewhere. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (Starlink date unverified for MC specifically).
- **AD**: **No national checker — [Andorra Telecom direct](https://www.andorratelecom.ad/)** (state monopoly, Servei de Telecomunicacions d'Andorra / STA). Tariffs (May 2026): residential entry from [€25/mo](https://www.andorratelecom.ad/contracte/internet/); business 1 Gbps symmetric €69; consumer gigabit pricing via Catalan [Catàleg comercial Feb 2026 PDF](https://www.andorratelecom.ad/uploads/Cataleg_comercial_2026_febrer_web_2cb92b574b.pdf); rate cuts announced for end-2026. FTTH ~100% (first country in world with national FTTH, completed 2010); rural N/A. Starlink not separately listed for AD; verify via Spanish/French gateway on [Starlink map](https://starlink.com/map). **Trap**: comunitat de propietaris — STA owns infrastructure; new riser handled by STA only. **Quirk**: **Andorra Telecom monopoly** — universal coverage but no price competition; tariffs higher than ES/FR for equivalent speed. **Confidence**: MEDIUM.
- **LI**: **No national checker — [FL1 (Telecom Liechtenstein)](https://telecom.li/) + Plus.li direct**. ISPs: FL1 (state-backed, dominant) / Plus.li (DTAG-related) / Cabletech-Dorfnetz (regional cable in some communes); FL1 effective monopoly at most addresses. Tariffs (May 2026): [FL1 Internet S 1/1 Gbit/s CHF 59.90](https://www.fl1.li/internet/), Internet M 10/10 CHF 69.90, Internet L **25/25 Gbit/s CHF 149.90**; activation CHF 89; **12mo minimum**; CHF 10/mo combo discount with FL1 Mobile; router included. FTTH ~100% (LI became first country with nationwide 25 Gbit/s coverage — FL1 + Nokia 25G-PON, completed 2025/26). Starlink served via Swiss gateway (LI-specific date unverified on map). **Trap**: Stockwerkeigentum — *Verwaltung* approval; FL1 typically owns building wiring. **Quirk**: **FL1 dominance** + 25 Gbit/s residential is real; CHF 149.90 for top tier is steep but globally unmatched. **Confidence**: HIGH (price/speed) / MEDIUM (Starlink date).
- **SM**: **No national checker — TIM San Marino direct**. Sole licensed fibre operator (TIM Italy via state concession). Tariffs (May 2026): [FIBRA+ 1 Gbps DL / 200 Mbps UL — €29.95 first 6mo / €35.90](https://www.telecomitalia.sm/residenziale/servizio/fibrapiu/); install/activation typically free promo; landline included. FTTH ~95%+; rural N/A. 4G via TIM SM; Italian carriers reachable from Italian-side towers but no roaming retail offers. Starlink served via Italian gateway (SM-specific date unverified). **Trap**: condominio rules largely mirror Italy (right-to-fibre per Codice delle comunicazioni elettroniche italiano transposed); but TIM SM is the only choice. **Quirk**: **TIM San Marino monopoly**; SM mobile bills separate from Italian TIM (cross-border = "international" in some legacy plans); residential plan limited to ~1 Gbps top tier (no 2.5G/10G consumer offer like TIM Italy). **Confidence**: MEDIUM.
- **MT**: Checker [MCA broadband map](https://www.mca.org.mt/) (Malta Communications Authority). ISPs: GO Malta (incumbent FTTH) / Melita (DOCSIS 3.1 cable, "fibre-powered" branding) / Epic (Monaco Telecom-owned mobile + reselling) / Vanilla Telecoms (business). Tariffs (May 2026): entry GO/Melita 100M ~€20-25, mid 500M ~€30-35, [Melita 1 Gbps ~€40-45](https://www.melita.com/internet/fibre-powered-internet/), GO 1 Gbps FTTH similar; install €25 (24mo) / €75 (monthly); landline often bundled. FTTH ~70%+ via GO; ~99% gigabit-capable when including Melita's DOCSIS 3.1; rural minimal — Malta is ~316km², near-universal cable; Starlink live since Sep 2022 ([source](https://ts2.tech/en/digital-lifeline-internet-access-in-malta-from-fibre-to-satellite/)). **Trap**: **Melita "fibre-powered" is DOCSIS 3.1 cable, not true FTTH** — important if symmetric upload matters (DOCSIS UL caps ~50 Mbps); only GO offers true FTTH at most addresses. **Quirk**: tiny market, only 2 real ISPs at most addresses; marketing terminology blurs cable vs fibre — verify FTTH vs HFC/DOCSIS before signing. **Confidence**: HIGH.

### CEE / Balkans / Nordics / Baltics + east-Med (PL, CZ, SK, HU, SI, HR, RO, BG, RS, ME, BA, MK, AL, EE, LT, LV, SE, NO, DK, FI, IS, MD, CY, GR, TR)

The 25-country band breaks into (a) Nordics with near-universal FTTH (SE 99%, IS 97.5%, DK ~90%, NO 96%, FI mobile-first ~50-60% FTTH), (b) Baltics + Romania as cheap-gigabit standouts (LT/LV/EE FTTH 70-75%, RO ~94% FTTx connections — among cheapest gigabit globally), (c) CEE majority FTTH 50-75% with strong altnet competition (PL/CZ/SK/HU/SI/HR/BG), (d) Balkans fragmented (RS dual-network, BA tri-entity tri-operator, ME EUR-denominated despite no Eurozone), (e) east-Med (CY/GR/TR) with Cyprus 77% FTTP, Greece 40-50% catching up post-Nova consolidation, Turkey's TRY-volatile pricing + Starlink not licensed, and (f) MD as third-cheapest broadband in Europe. **Starlink banned in BA** (only major European country without — RAK reports SpaceX never filed). **Starlink not licensed in TR** (SpaceX's 2023 BTK application not approved as of Jul 2026 (per odatv.com 7 Jul 2026, secondary) — no BTK decision found in sources read; verify at btk.gov.tr; Türksat-6A 2024 competing satellite cited).

- **PL**: Checker [internet.gov.pl — Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji national broadband availability database](https://internet.gov.pl/) (single address-level national checker; supersedes the retired CPPC `mapa.cppc.gov.pl` map — 2026-09-18 verified). ISPs: Orange Polska (incumbent — "Światłowód" XGS-PON up to 8 Gbit/s) / Netia (altnet, P4 Play) / Vectra+UPC Polska (cable/HFC merged 2022) / Play (mobile-led entrant). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 300M PLN 49-55 (~€11.50-13), mid 600M-1G PLN 65-80 (~€15-19), top Orange 8 Gbit/s ≈ PLN 199 (~€47); 24mo standard, install often free. FTTH ~55% nationally early-2026 (UKE); rural Orange copper DSL + Plus/T-Mobile 5G FWA + Starlink in mountain/border. Starlink licensed Sep 2021. **Trap**: communist-era *blok z wielkiej płyty* — *spółdzielnia mieszkaniowa* board sign-off needed; some co-ops have ISP exclusivity. **Quirk**: dense altnet layer ([dostawcyinternetu.pl](https://dostawcyinternetu.pl/) lists 100+ per metro); 8 Gbit/s XGS-PON commercially live; cheapest gigabit in EU outside RO. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **CZ**: Checker [ČTÚ](https://www.ctu.cz/) + CETIN coverage at [cetin.cz/dostupnost-sluzeb](https://www.cetin.cz/households/verification-of-the-internet-availability). ISPs: O2 Czech Republic (incumbent retail on CETIN) / T-Mobile CZ (T-Fiber) / Vodafone CZ (cable from former UPC); plus PODA, Nej.cz, Netbox (muni-fibre), 100+ regional altnets. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-250M CZK 399-499 (~€16-20), mid 500M-1G CZK 599-799 (~€24-32), promo 1G CZK 299-399 first 6-12mo; **24mo standard contract**. FTTH ~22.9% of total connections end-2024 (ČTÚ); CETIN target 1M FTTH passings end-2026; rural DSL/VDSL on CETIN copper, 5G FWA, Starlink. Starlink licensed Sep 2021. **Trap**: *panelák* requires SVJ general-assembly vote; older SVJ statutes may demand 75% supermajority; *cihlový dům* (interwar brick) often easier. **Quirk**: muni-fibre cheaper than telcos (Netbox, Nej.cz); ČTÚ runs subsidised social tariff for low-income/disabled from Jan 2025. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **SK**: Checker [RU SR / Teleoff](https://www.teleoff.gov.sk/) (no consumer-friendly national checker — query via [telekom.sk/dostupnost](https://www.telekom.sk/), [orange.sk](https://www.orange.sk/)). ISPs: Slovak Telekom (incumbent ex-DT, Magio Internet) / Orange Slovensko (FiberNet) / Antik Telecom (Košice-based, FTTH leader); plus DIGI Slovakia, O2 Slovakia (mobile FWA), 4ka. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-300M €17-22, mid 500M-1G €22-30, Slovak Telekom 1G Magio Fiber ~€25-32 with TV; **24mo contract** with discount lock up to €240 over term. FTTH ~60-65% end-2024 (RU SR); rural Slovak Telekom VDSL + O2/4ka 5G FWA + Starlink eastern uplands. Starlink licensed since 2022. **Trap**: socialist panelák same regime as CZ — SVB approval; old Bratislava *meštiansky dom* heritage façade restrictions. **Quirk**: Antik dominates eastern SK with municipal/regional fibre + IPTV bundle ~€18/mo for 1G in Košice. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **HU**: Checker [NMHH AMCI/ÁHK](https://nmhh.hu/) (refreshed monthly) + carrier checkers at [telekom.hu](https://www.telekom.hu/), [digi.hu](https://www.digi.hu/). ISPs: Magyar Telekom (incumbent ex-DT) / DIGI Hungary (cable+FTTH, acquired by 4iG 2023) / One Hungary (rebranded from Vodafone HU 2023, mobile-led); Yettel mobile. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 300M HUF 6,500-8,500 (~€16-22), mid 1G HUF 9,500-12,000 (~€24-31); DIGI undercuts Telekom by ~20%; **24mo contract**, install fee waived on 2-year. FTTH ~75% (NMHH); rural Magyar Telekom DSL + Yettel/Telekom 5G FWA + regional WISPs in Alföld. Starlink licensed; available. **Trap**: *társasház* requires *közgyűlés* majority for common-area fibre; *panelház* may have building-wide muni or telco exclusivity from 2000s. **Quirk**: NMHH AMCI (monthly tariff comparison) is unusually transparent — cite directly; DIGI's 4iG ownership now extends across HU/RO/SK regional consolidation. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **SI**: Checker [AKOS coverage map](https://www.akos-rs.si/) (point-address). ISPs: Telekom Slovenije / SiOL (incumbent, FTTH+VDSL) / Telemach (United Group; HFC DOCSIS 3.1 + XGS-PON) / A1 Slovenija (FTTH+VDSL); plus T-2 (national altnet). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-300M €25-32, mid 600M-1G €32-42, Telekom Slovenije 2 Gbit/s up to ~€50 with TV; **24mo contract**; install ~€50-100 or free with bundle; avg ~€37/mo. FTTH ~78.5% FTTP coverage end-2023 (EU DESI; Telekom Slovenije fibre passes 424k households 2024); rural VDSL + 4G/5G FWA + Starlink in Julian Alps. Starlink licensed since 2022. **Trap**: Yugoslav-era apt block requires *etažni lastniki* assembly — typically 75% majority for façade/riser; coastal Istria stone houses may sit in heritage zones (Piran, Koper). **Quirk**: T-2 historically aggressive on price; Telemach's HFC GIGA covers 350k+ households at near-gigabit. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **HR**: Checker [HAKOM coverage map](https://ekarta.hakom.hr/HR_HAKOM_MapePokrivanja/) (English: [hakom.hr/en/coverage-maps/12425](https://www.hakom.hr/en/coverage-maps/12425)). ISPs: Hrvatski Telekom (incumbent ex-DT, "MAXFIBER") / A1 Croatia (FTTH expansion to 1M households target end-2025) / Telemach (United Group, HFC+FTTH) / Iskon (HT subsidiary). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-300M €15-22 (intro €12-18 first year), mid 500M-1G €22-35, standalone 1G €25-45; **24mo contract**; install often free; mobile/fixed bundle saves ~€10/mo. FTTH ~50-55% (HAKOM 2024); rural HT VDSL + 5G FWA + Starlink on islands; coastal Dalmatia rollout subsidised under €200M digital infrastructure programme through 2026. Starlink licensed since 2022. **Trap**: post-war *zgrada* with *etažna zajednica* — majority vote; Adriatic *kamena kuća* in old towns (Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split Diocletian) often heritage-locked (no exterior cabling). **Quirk**: HT MAXFIBER aggressive on speed-per-EUR but install-window long on islands; EU roaming made mobile-only viable for short-stay second-home owners. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **RO**: Checker [ANCOM Netograf](https://netograf.ro/) + [ANCOM aisemnal.ro](https://aisemnal.ro/) (mobile signal/coverage map — the map self-labels "Harta de acoperire a rețelelor mobile – **2024**", i.e. 2024 coverage data, not current-year; 2026-09-18 verified). ISPs: Digi (RCS&RDS) — **72% fixed-line market share, FTTH/FTTB pioneer** / Orange Romania (FTTH "Orange Home", absorbed Telekom Romania fixed assets 2023) / Vodafone Romania (FTTH+cable from former UPC). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 300M RON 30-40 (~€6-8), mid Digi 500M RON 40 (~€8), gigabit Digi RON 50 (~€10) / Orange 1G RON 75 (~€15); install free; Digi raised tariffs early-2026 — verify. FTTH ~94% of broadband connections are FTTx (FTTH/FTTB/FTTC, ANCOM); **among cheapest gigabit globally**; rural FTTB/4G; mountain/Delta-Dunării Starlink. Starlink licensed; available. **Trap**: communist *bloc de locuințe* — fibre/coax usually pre-installed by Digi/UPC predecessor; modern *vile* in suburban subdivisions need new pull; *asociația de proprietari* approval is light-touch for tenant-borne wiring. **Quirk**: cheapest gigabit broadband in EU; Digi vertically integrated (mobile + fixed + content + TV); rural penetration often beats urban Western EU. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **BG**: Checker [CRC](https://crc.bg/) (no consumer-friendly checker — query [vivacom.bg](https://www.vivacom.bg/), [a1.bg](https://www.a1.bg/)). ISPs: Vivacom (incumbent, United Group since 2020; absorbed Bulsatcom Mar 2024) — 39.4% fixed share / A1 Bulgaria (ex-Mtel, Telekom Austria) — 29.9% / Net1 + regional cable/altnet. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M BGN 15-22 (~€8-11), mid 300-500M BGN 25-40 (~€13-20), gigabit BGN 35-60 (~€18-31); promo first months from BGN 10-15; **24mo contract**. FTTH ~75-80% urban (CRC); Sofia/Plovdiv/Varna near-universal; rural FTTB/VDSL + fixed-LTE/5G + Starlink Rhodopes/Strandzha. Starlink licensed Feb 2022. **Trap**: socialist *панелка* — *ЕС* approval; informal market means fibre often pulled with riser-bypass; legacy Bulsatcom HFC coax common in older blocks. **Quirk**: among cheapest broadband in EU — Sofia 1G under €20 routine; United Group consolidation (Vivacom + Bulsatcom) reducing competition — expect tariff rises 2026-27. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **RS**: Checker [RATEL](https://www.ratel.rs/) (no consumer-deployed checker — query [mts.rs](https://www.mts.rs/), [sbb.rs](https://www.sbb.rs/) direct). ISPs: Telekom Srbija/mts (incumbent state, 55.9% fixed share) / SBB (United Group, HFC+FTTH, 28.1%) / Yettel "Hipernet" (FTTH white-labelled on Telekom Srbija from 2021); A1 Serbia mobile. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-200M RSD 1,800-2,500 (~€15-21), mid 500M RSD 2,500-3,500 (~€21-30), gigabit/symmetric 600/600 RSD 3,500-4,500 (~€30-38); avg ~€18-19/mo. FTTH ~50-55% urban (RATEL, fragmented — Belgrade/Novi Sad strong, central/southern still HFC/VDSL); rural ADSL2+, fixed-LTE; **no licensed Starlink as of May 2026** (announced for 2025 launch but no RATEL approval confirmed; Kosovo separate registry live since 2024). **Trap**: SFRJ-era *zgrada* with *skupština stanara* — majority approval; informal "grey" cable common. **Quirk**: Telekom Srbija + SBB duopoly tightening; Yettel Hipernet adds price pressure; mts symmetric fibre (200/200, 600/600) unusually consumer-grade for region. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (Starlink uncertain).
- **ME**: Checker [EKIP](https://www.ekip.me/) (no consumer checker — query [telekom.me](https://www.telekom.me/), [mtel.me](https://www.mtel.me/), [one.me](https://www.one.me/)). ISPs: Crnogorski Telekom (Hrvatski Telekom subsidiary) / m:tel CG (Telekom Srbija subsidiary) / One Crna Gora (ex-Telenor, A1 Telekom Austria Group). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M €18-25, mid 300-500M €25-35, gigabit ~€35-45; install often free with 24mo. EUR is national currency despite no Eurozone treaty. FTTH ~50% urban (EKIP est); coastal Budva/Kotor/Tivat/Bar mostly VDSL or partial FTTH; Podgorica strongest; rural mountain DSL/4G FWA + Starlink (licensed 2024-2025). **Trap**: socialist apt buildings need *skupština etažnih vlasnika* approval; coastal stone houses in Kotor old town (UNESCO) heritage-restricted; new villas in Lustica/Luštica Bay developer-controlled fibre. **Quirk**: EUR pricing informal/de facto; Crnogorski Telekom advertises "fastest optical" but coverage thin outside main cities. **Confidence**: MEDIUM.
- **BA**: Checker [RAK / CRA](https://www.rak.ba/) (no consumer checker — query [bhtelecom.ba](https://www.bhtelecom.ba/), [mtel.ba](https://mtel.ba/), [hteronet.ba](https://www.hteronet.ba/)). ISPs: BH Telecom (FBiH state-owned, 45% market) / m:tel BiH (Republika Srpska, Telekom Srbija subsidiary, 41%) / HT Eronet (Mostar HQ, FBiH Croat-majority cantons, 14%). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 30M BAM 30-45 (~€15-23), mid 50-100M BAM 50-70 (~€26-36), gigabit FTTH BAM 60-90 (~€31-46); BAM pegged to EUR at 1.95583. FTTH ~30-35% (RAK est, FTTH lines 908k 2024); ethnically/territorially fragmented — three operators rarely overlap; rural ADSL2+, mobile (BH Telecom 2.73M users use mobile as primary). **Starlink: ❌ NOT licensed as of May 2026** — RAK reports SpaceX never filed required application; BiH cited as **only European country without Starlink**. 5G licence tender expected 2026. **Trap**: Yugoslav-era *zgrada* assembly — but jurisdictional split (FBiH cantons vs RS) adds layer; war-damaged 1990s blocks may have improvised wiring; Mostar/Sarajevo Ottoman *čaršija* heritage. **Quirk**: only major European country without Starlink; three-way territorial monopoly by entity (FBiH=BH Telecom, RS=m:tel, Croat-cantons=HT Eronet) — switching across the line nearly impossible. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MK**: Checker [AEK](https://aek.mk/) (no consumer checker — query [telekom.mk](https://www.telekom.mk/), [a1.mk](https://www.a1.mk/)). ISPs: Makedonski Telekom (Magyar Telekom/DT) / A1 Macedonia (ex-Vip, Telekom Austria) / Neotel + regional cable. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M MKD 700-1,000 (~€11-16), mid 300M MKD 1,200-1,500 (~€19-24), gigabit ≈ MKD 1,500-2,000 (~€24-32); install free with 24mo; avg ~€15-18/mo. FTTH ~55-60% urban (AEK); Skopje strong, smaller towns mixed cable/VDSL; rural mountain ADSL/4G FWA + Starlink (licensed Jun 2022). **Trap**: Yugoslav-era *zgrada* with *zaednica na sopstvenici* — assembly approval; Skopje 1963-earthquake-rebuild blocks have prefab façade; Ohrid Old Town (UNESCO) heritage-locked. **Quirk**: average broadband price one of lowest in Europe; Makedonski Telekom + A1 duopoly. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **AL**: Checker [AKEP](https://akep.al/) (no consumer checker — query [albtelecom.al](https://one.al/), [one.al](https://www.one.al/), [vodafone.al](https://www.vodafone.al/)). ISPs: ALBtelecom (incumbent) / ONE Albania (Telekom Albania + Albtelecom Mobile merger 2023) / Vodafone Albania (mobile-led, FTTH expanding); ABCom, Digicom regional cable. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 50-100M ALL 1,500-2,500 (~€15-25), mid 300-500M ALL 2,500-3,500 (~€25-35), gigabit ≈ ALL 3,500-5,000 (~€35-50); install free. FTTH ~40-50% urban (AKEP); Tirana/Durrës/Vlora rapid catch-up since 2022; rural ADSL on ALBtelecom + 4G FWA + Starlink. **Starlink licensed; service launched April 2024** (equipment ~ALL 42,500, monthly ~ALL 6,500). **Trap**: communist-era *pallat* with *bashkësi pronarësh* approval; "informal" post-1990 self-built additions often have improvised wiring; coastal Berat/Gjirokastër (UNESCO) heritage-restricted. **Quirk**: rapid FTTH catch-up via ALBtelecom + ONE post-2022 consolidation; Starlink retail via Gjirafa (Kosovo-based regional reseller). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **EE**: Checker [TTJA](https://ttja.ee/) + [Elektrilevi Valguskaabel](https://www.elektrilevi.ee/et/valgus). ISPs: Telia Eesti (incumbent) / Elisa Estonia / Tele2 Estonia; Elektrilevi (state grid) operates wholesale FTTH "Valguskaabel" reaching 200k+ premises by end-2024. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M €19-25, mid 300-500M €25-35, gigabit ≤ €50 (Telia/Elisa cut prices 25-37% in 2024-25); router included; price hikes flagged for 2026 (Telia TV Mini +€1.82 from Mar 2026). FTTH ~70% nationally (Elektrilevi + telco overbuild); Tallinn/Tartu/Pärnu near-saturation; rural Elektrilevi pulling fibre 200k+ premises by 2024 + 4G/5G FWA + Starlink (Saaremaa/border). Starlink licensed Aug 2022. **Trap**: Soviet-era *paneelmaja* (Lasnamäe-style) — *korteriühistu* majority vote; many KÜ have telco wholesale deal pre-installed; Old Town Tallinn (UNESCO) heritage. **Quirk**: Elektrilevi's wholesale fibre means address-level FTTH often available to multiple ISPs at once — pure altnet/wholesale split; e-residency holders can sign telco contracts online. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **LT**: Checker [RRT](https://www.rrt.lt/) + per-address coverage at carrier sites ([telia.lt](https://www.telia.lt/), [bite.lt](https://www.bite.lt/), [init.lt](https://www.init.lt/), [cgates.lt](https://www.cgates.lt/)). ISPs: Telia Lietuva (incumbent) / Bite Lietuva (mobile-led, Mezon FTTH brand) / Cgates (Vilnius/Kaunas cable+FTTH) / Init (LT-wide altnet); Balticum (Klaipėda). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-300M €15-22, mid 500M €18-25, gigabit €20-30 (often bundled with TV/mobile); standalone fibre cheaper than Nordics. FTTH ~75% urban (RRT); LT historically 2nd-fastest fibre in EU; rural FTTH stalled in 2023 — fallback DSL/VDSL + 4G/5G FWA + Starlink (Aukštaitija). Starlink licensed Dec 2021. **Trap**: Soviet-era *daugiabutis* with *butų savininkų bendrija* — formal vote required; some buildings have RRT-monitored sole-supplier; Vilnius Old Town (UNESCO) heritage. **Quirk**: among cheapest gigabit globally (~€20-30 in bundle); RRT enforces strict local-loop unbundling — switching is friction-light. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **LV**: Checker [SPRK](https://www.sprk.gov.lv/) + per-address at [tet.lv](https://www.tet.lv/), [balticom.lv](https://www.balticom.lv/), [bite.lv](https://www.bite.lv/). ISPs: Tet (ex-Lattelecom, incumbent — FTTH covers 530k/72% households) / Bite Latvija (mobile + fixed) / Balticom (Riga-focused cable + 1G FTTH); LMT (mobile leader). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M €13-18, mid 300M €18-25, Balticom/Tet 1G €20-30; install often free; **24mo contract**. FTTH ~72% nationally (Tet alone); Riga/Jūrmala/Liepāja saturated; rural Latgale ADSL/VDSL on Tet + LMT/Bite fixed-LTE + Starlink (border). Starlink licensed Apr 2022. **Trap**: Soviet *sērijveida māja* (103/119/602 series) — *dzīvokļu īpašnieku biedrība*; Riga *jūgendstils* (Art Nouveau) heritage-listed and façade-cabling-restricted; pre-WWII *koka māja* (wooden) often skipped by FTTH on DSL only. **Quirk**: Tet near-monopoly on last-mile FTTH but SPRK enforces wholesale; Balticom is Riga-only competitor with strong gigabit; LMT 28 GHz fixed-5G is rural option. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **SE**: Checker [PTS Bredbandskartan](https://bredbandskartan.pts.se/) (refreshed weekly). ISPs: Telia Sverige (incumbent) / Bredbandsbolaget (Telenor SE) / Bahnhof (consumer-favourite altnet) / Tele2 Sweden / Com Hem (cable, now Tele2); plus 150+ municipal *stadsnät* via Stadsnätsföreningen. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-250M SEK 269-369 (~€24-33), mid 500M SEK 379-449 (~€34-40), gigabit SEK 499-749 (~€45-67) — depending on stadsnät or open-fibre; **24mo contract**; install free or SEK 0-995. FTTH ~99% homes-passed end-2023 (PTS); rural PTS broadband-support funded rollout (SEK 800M for 2026) + 4G/5G FWA + Starlink (Norrland). Starlink licensed Oct 2021. **Trap**: *bostadsrättsförening* (BRF — co-op apt) often has stadsnät exclusivity contract with pre-installed *gruppanslutning* — buyer **inherits the deal and can't switch ISP at flat-level**; rental *hyresrätt* same lock-in. **Quirk**: open-fibre model rules — *stadsnät* operates wholesale, ~70% of FTTH connections via municipal networks; PTS Bredbandskartan globally exemplary as a national checker. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **NO**: Checker [Nkom](https://www.nkom.no/) + Nettvalg portal + per-address at [telenor.no](https://www.telenor.no/), [altibox.no](https://www.altibox.no/). ISPs: Telenor (incumbent — fibre share 22→29% post-GlobalConnect 2024 acquisition) / Altibox (Lyse-led brand, 35+ regional FTTH partners) / Telia Norge / NextGenTel; combined top-5 ≈ 88%. Tariffs (May 2026): 500M NOK 400-550 (~€34-47), 1G NOK 549-749 (~€47-64); install fee NOK 0-5,000. **NO among highest-priced Nordics** (Tefficient 2024). FTTH 96.2% of households offered ≥1 Gbit/s end-2024 (Nkom Annual Report 2025); rural fjord/Finnmark Telenor/Telia 5G FWA + Altibox-partner regional ISPs + Starlink (~NOK 569/mo). Starlink licensed; available. **Trap**: *borettslag* (housing co-op) and *sameie* (condo) — *generalforsamling* majority; many Oslo/Bergen *borettslag* have building-wide Telenor/Altibox bulk contract pre-installed. **Quirk**: Altibox's franchise model — 35+ local utility-owned fibre networks under one brand; mobile-first households common (5G replaces fixed in some flats). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **DK**: Checker [Energistyrelsen tjekditnet.dk](https://tjekditnet.dk/) (national one-stop aggregating all technologies). ISPs: TDC NET / YouSee (incumbent, 66% of DOCSIS via YouSee) / Norlys (regional energy+telecom merger, dominant in Jutland) / Telia Denmark; plus Hiper, Fastspeed altnets. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M DKK 199-249 (~€27-33), mid 500M DKK 249-329 (~€33-44), gigabit DKK 299-389 (~€40-52); YouSee Fiber 1000/1000 promo DKK 99 first 6mo / DKK 299; Norlys 1G DKK 389 flat; **6-month minimum contract** typical, install free. FTTH ~90% (Energistyrelsen); regional power-utility consortia drove FTTH; rural DOCSIS via YouSee/Norlys + TDC/3 fixed-5G + Starlink (Bornholm/west Jutland). Starlink licensed; available. **Trap**: *andelsboligforening* and *ejerforening* often lock building to one provider via bulk contract — buyer **inherits**; *almene boliger* similar. **Quirk**: tjekditnet.dk exemplary national checker; Norlys dominance in Jutland often delivers cheaper gigabit than TDC; **always ask whether subscription is at-flat or at-building level**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **FI**: Checker [Traficom MONITORI](https://eservices.traficom.fi/monitori/area) + [tieto.traficom.fi](https://tieto.traficom.fi/). ISPs: Elisa (incumbent + Saunalahti) / Telia Finland (ex-Sonera) / DNA (Telenor Group); plus rural cooperative *kuitukunta*. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M €23-30, mid 300-500M €30-40, gigabit €40-55; **5G home internet** (Elisa 5G Kotinetti, Saunalahti 5G 300M ~€27.99) often replaces fibre in detached/suburban homes; install free with 24mo. FTTH ~50-60% (Traficom — lower than other Nordics, mobile-first culture); urban Helsinki/Espoo/Tampere/Turku FTTH or DOCSIS, suburban often 5G FWA; rural *kuitukunta* coop fibre + Starlink (Lapland). Starlink licensed Nov 2022. **Trap**: *taloyhtiö* (housing company — uniquely Finnish legal form) — *yhtiökokous* approves common-area cabling; many *taloyhtiö* signed bulk *taloliittymä* with one ISP in 1990s-2000s and lock persists. **Quirk**: **Finnish "mobile-first" culture** — DNA/Elisa/Telia 5G unlimited mobile (~€20-30/mo) substitutes for fixed broadband in many households; rural *kuitukunta* coop pricing often beats incumbents. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **IS**: Checker [Fjarskiptastofa](https://www.fjarskiptastofa.is/) + per-address at [siminn.is](https://www.siminn.is/), [nova.is](https://www.nova.is/), [syn.is](https://www.syn.is/). ISPs: Síminn (incumbent ex-state) / Sýn (rebranded from Vodafone Iceland Jun 2025) / Nova; Hringdu altnet. **Two wholesale fibre networks**: Míla (Síminn-spun-off, XG-PON 1/2.5/5/10 Gbit/s national) + Ljósleiðarinn (Reykjavík Fibre Network, PTP ethernet 1/10 Gbit/s, 100% capital area). Tariffs (May 2026): 1 Gbit/s ISK 9,000-15,000 (~€60-100); 10 Gbit/s available at modest premium; combined fibre + unlimited mobile bundle ISK 18,000-23,000 (~€120-155). FTTH 97.5% of homes have full-fibre access; 93.1% of broadband is FTTH (Fjarskiptastofa); govt target 100% by end-2026 via rural-grant programme; rural Westfjords/Highlands Starlink (licensed Feb 2023). **Trap**: *húsfélag* — *aðalfundur* approves common-area cabling; Reykjavík city centre 1900s *bárujárnshús* (corrugated-iron) heritage façade-restricted. **Quirk**: Reykjavík Fibre Network (Ljósleiðarinn) is **open-access PTP ethernet** — multiple ISPs sell over same physical fibre, all delivering 1+ Gbit/s baseline; Sýn's Jun 2025 rebrand from Vodafone is recent. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MD**: Checker [ANRCETI](https://anrceti.md/) + per-address at [moldtelecom.md](https://www.moldtelecom.md/), [starnet.md](https://www.starnet.md/), [orange.md](https://www.orange.md/). ISPs: Moldtelecom (state-owned incumbent, only nationwide ISP) / StarNet (FTTH pioneer, founded 2003) / Orange Moldova (FTTH expanding); Arax-Impex, regional cable. Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100M MDL 150-200 (~€8-11), mid 300-500M MDL 200-300 (~€11-16), gigabit MDL 300-500 (~€16-26); avg 2024 ~$9.19/mo (162 MDL — **3rd cheapest in Europe**). FTTH ~70% (ANRCETI); Chișinău/Bălți near-saturation; rural ADSL on Moldtelecom + fixed-LTE + Starlink. Starlink licensed; active since Aug 2022. **Trap**: Soviet-era *bloc locativ* — *asociația de proprietari* approval; old Chișinău *imobil interbelic* (interwar) façade often heritage-protected. **Quirk**: 3rd-cheapest broadband in Europe (ANRCETI); from Jan 2026 Moldova joined EU "Roam Like at Home" — mobile usage in EU at domestic rates. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **CY**: Checker [OCECPR CyCompare](https://cycompare.ee.cy/) (regulator price-comparison + coverage). ISPs: Cyta (incumbent, ex-state, FTTH leader) / Epic (ex-MTN, FTTH up to 5 Gbit/s) / PrimeTel (FTTH in 230k+ homes); Cablenet (HFC merged into Epic 2022). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-300M €20-30, mid 500M-1G €25-40, [Epic Fiber 3mo free intro / €19.99 standalone](https://www.epic.com.cy/en/page/EfoTinQQu/epic-fiber); gigabit ~€35-50; **24mo contract**; install free. FTTH 77% national; 55.7% rural VHCN coverage (OCECPR). Starlink licensed; available since Jul 2023. **Trap**: *πολυκατοικία* — *διαχειριστής* and owners' assembly handle common-area; older Limassol/Larnaca 1970s-80s blocks may need riser pull. **Quirk**: OCECPR CyCompare is a strong regulator-driven price tool; Northern Cyprus (TRNC, internationally unrecognised) has separate KKTC Telekomünikasyon Dairesi regime — Türk Telekom-dependent infrastructure, different prices in TL. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **GR**: Checker [EETT](https://www.eett.gr/) + EETT broadband-coverage map. ISPs: Cosmote (OTE, DT subsidiary — 35,000 km fibre, largest network) / Nova (United Group; absorbed Wind Hellas + Forthnet 2023) / Vodafone Greece (4,700 km fibre, 3rd-largest FTTH). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 100-200M €25-32, mid 500M €30-40, gigabit Cosmote ~€50 standalone, Nova Fiber 300 ~€26, Vodafone 1G ~€35-45; 10 Gbps tier €60-100; **24mo contract**; install free. FTTH ~40-50% (EETT 2023 market review); Athens/Thessaloniki/Patras strong, smaller cities VDSL on Cosmote copper; island/mountain fixed-LTE/5G + Starlink (Cyclades/Dodecanese). Starlink licensed; available. **Trap**: *πολυκατοικία* — *διαχειριστής* and *γενική συνέλευση* authorise riser; many 1960s-70s Athens blocks have improvised cabling already; Cycladic stone houses on Santorini/Mykonos heritage-locked. **Quirk**: Nova's Wind+Forthnet absorption (2023) consolidated into a real Cosmote competitor; competition pushed gigabit pricing below historic levels. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **TR**: Checker [BTK](https://www.btk.gov.tr/) + [Türk Telekom altyapı sorgulama](https://bireysel.turktelekom.com.tr/), [superonline.net](https://www.superonline.net/). ISPs: Türk Telekom/TTNET (incumbent, 514,000 km fibre — widest infrastructure) / Türksat Kablo (state cable + FTTH, broadcast satellite operator) / Türknet (independent FTTH altnet) / Vodafone Net Turkey / Superonline (Turkcell). Tariffs (May 2026): entry 50-100M TRY 700-1,000 (~€19-27), mid 200-500M TRY 1,000-1,500 (~€27-40), gigabit TRY 1,500-2,500 (~€40-67); modem fee TRY 75/mo extra (FTTH); **24mo contract** with discount lock. **TRY inflation distorts comparison — verify monthly**. FTTH/B subscribers reached 9.3M end-Q3 2025 (BTK), +21.6% YoY; Istanbul/Ankara/Izmir strong; Anatolian secondary cities mostly VDSL; rural ADSL2+/fixed-LTE; **5G launched 1 Apr 2026** (BTK; state ceremony 31 Mar, all 81 provincial centres, all 3 operators, urban-first, full-nationwide target ~2028). **Starlink: ❌ NOT licensed as of May 2026** — SpaceX applied 2023, repeated talks under Minister Uraloğlu, "security concerns" cited; no approval timeline. Maritime Starlink (yachts) operates in international waters but Turkish territorial waters = grey. **Trap**: Turkish *apartman* — *yönetici* + *kat malikleri kurulu* approval; 1999-Marmara-quake-rebuild stock generally fibre-ready; older 1970s-80s reinforced-concrete blocks need riser pull; heritage Sultanahmet/Galata façade restrictions. **Quirk**: 5G launched 1 Apr 2026 (years behind Europe); fibre still leads fixed home broadband, with 5G FWA (Turkcell Superbox) a live supplement but not yet a parcel-level FTTH substitute; TRY inflation makes price quotes age fast — always check date-stamp; Türknet aggressive altnet undercutting incumbent. **Confidence**: HIGH (FTTH) / MEDIUM (TRY tariffs aging fast).

### North America + Oceania + Latin America + Caribbean (US, CA, MX, AU, NZ, VU, BR, AR, CL, CO, PE, EC, UY, PA, CR, DO, PY, BB, TT, BZ, JM, BS, KY, BM, TC, VG, KN, AG, LC, GD)

This 30-country band splits into (a) NA + Oceania (US, CA, AU, NZ) — wholesale-retail or hybrid markets, mature regulators, gigabit mainstream urban; (b) LatAm Big-5 (BR, AR, CL, CO, MX) — strong urban FTTH (~50-70%) but rural reliance on Starlink growing rapidly (BR 606k subs end-2025, +85% YoY); (c) Andean (PE, EC, UY) + Central America (PA, CR) — varying state-monopoly legacies (UY Antel, EC CNT) with private competition; (d) Caribbean small-island duopolies (BB, JM, BS, BZ) where FLOW + Digicel dominate, headline gigabit prices ~3× US gigabit cost, Starlink critical for outer islands — plus the British Overseas Territory cluster (KY, BM, TC, VG — FLOW/Digicel or OneComm/Digicel duopolies, USD or USD-pegged so no FX risk), the independent OECS/ECTEL cluster (KN, LC, GD — FLOW/Digicel under ECTEL regional coordination), and the APUA-state-dominant outlier (AG — the state utility holds fixed-broadband share, unlike the usual duopoly). Inflation/FX distortion most acute in **AR** (peso lost ~50% 2024-2026, Decree 302/2024 deregulated telco prices). **JM Starlink not licensed** (outlier — explicitly blocked); **BZ Starlink retail-blocked by PUC** (rural/emergency only); **KY Starlink licensed 23 Dec 2025**; **AG Starlink available Aug 2025 (formal licence pending)**; the **OECS/ECTEL states (KN, LC, GD) + remaining BOTs (BM, TC, VG) are Starlink-"pending"** awaiting ECTEL's NGSO framework / national regulator approval ("Starting 2026" on the Starlink map); rest of region licensed.

- **US**: Checker [FCC National Broadband Map](https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/location-summary) (address-level fiber/cable/DSL/FWA/satellite filters; refresh published 29 Apr 2026). ISPs: AT&T Fiber (incumbent ILEC FTTH) / Verizon Fios (NE/Mid-Atlantic FTTH) / Comcast Xfinity (cable + selective FTTH) / Spectrum (cable); T-Mobile 5G Home + Verizon 5G Home as wireless alternatives; muni-fiber pockets (Chattanooga EPB, Longmont NextLight, Wilson Greenlight). Google Fiber in ~25 metros. Tariffs (May 2026, internet-only): entry ~$30-55 (Xfinity 150 $30, AT&T Fiber 300 $55, Spectrum 300 $50), mid ~$70 (Verizon Fios 500 $75, Google Fiber 1G $70), gigabit ~$80-100 (Xfinity 1.2G $90, AT&T 1G $80, Verizon Gig $90); 2 Gbps $100 (Google Fiber); **most fiber plans no-contract**, install often free promo. FTTH ~50%+ households (FCC BDC); rural T-Mobile/Verizon 5G FWA (urban-edge), Starlink (true rural), LTE Home, fixed-wireless WISPs. Starlink licensed Nov 2020 (FCC IBFS SAT-MOD-20200417). **Trap**: HOA may dictate sole ISP via bulk contract; "exclusive marketing rights" common in apt/condo (FCC banned exclusive provisioning 2007 but bulk-billing persists); older buildings often cable-only inside walls. **Quirk**: ~30% of rural locations still under 100 Mbps wired (FCC NBM Q4-2025); price transparency improved by FCC "Broadband Nutrition Labels" mandate 2024; BEAD program funding fiber expansion through 2030. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **CA**: Checker [ISED National Broadband Map](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/app/scr/sittibc/web/bbmap?lang=eng) + [CRTC interactive coverage](https://crtc.gc.ca/cartovista/internetcanada-en/) (CRTC 2026-8 Apr 2026 approved 250m road-segment disclosure). ISPs: Bell (Pure Fibre, ILEC east) / Telus (PureFibre, ILEC west BC/AB) / Rogers (cable, post-Shaw merger); Videotron (cable+fibre, QC), Cogeco (cable, ON/QC); altnets via CRTC wholesale (TekSavvy, Distributel, EBOX). Tariffs (May 2026, CAD; ~CAD 1.38/USD): entry ~CAD 50 (Telus 150M ≈ USD 36), mid ~CAD 75-95 (Bell 500/500 ~CAD 85, Videotron Gig CAD 75, USD 54-69), gigabit ~CAD 95-110 (USD 69-80); Telus offers 5 Gbps PureFibre at premium; **2-yr term discounts common**; install often waived promo. FTTH widespread Bell/Telus major metros; cable (Rogers/Videotron) most suburbs; rural Starlink (heavily adopted) + Xplornet fixed-wireless + Bell/Rogers 5G Home; CRTC universal-service objective 50/10 Mbps to 100% by 2030. Starlink licensed Nov 2020 (ISED). **Trap**: condo strata may have bulk-billing or wiring-monopoly; Quebec condos governed by CCQ — verify "syndicat de copropriété" rules. **Quirk**: CRTC wholesale-access regime (Telecom Decision 2025-295) means altnets resell Bell/Telus fibre at regulated rates — meaningful price competition vs US. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MX**: Checker [IFT](https://www.ift.org.mx/) (publishes coverage stats — no national address-level checker). Query [Telmex](https://www.telmex.com/), [Totalplay](https://www.totalplay.com.mx/), [Izzi](https://www.izzi.mx/), [Megacable](https://www.megacable.com.mx/) cobertura tools. ISPs: Telmex Infinitum (FTTH, ILEC dominant) / Totalplay (FTTH challenger, Salinas group) / Izzi Telecom (cable+fiber, Televisa); Megacable (cable+fiber, regional). Tariffs (May 2026, MXN; ~MXN 17/USD): entry MXN 389-435 (~USD 23-26) Telmex 100M, mid MXN 550-650 (~USD 32-38) Megacable 200M, gigabit MXN 869 (~USD 51) Izzi 1G; Totalplay symmetric 50-1000M; install + modem usually included; **12mo contract typical**. FTTH ~70% of fixed connections (Mexico FBA LATAM Panorama 2025); Telmex migrated ~85% of broadband off DSL; rural Starlink (CFE rural contract through 31 Dec 2026, MXN 887.5M-1.8B value) + Telcel/AT&T LTE Home. Starlink licensed by IFT 28 May 2021; CFE rural contract awarded Oct 2023. **Trap**: condominio horizontal/vertical assembleia approval typically required for new fibre runs; older Mexico City buildings may be Telmex-copper-only inside walls. **Quirk**: Telmex still subject to "preponderant operator" asymmetric regulation (post-2014 reform) — wholesale unbundling helps altnets in some cities. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **AU**: Checker [nbn co rollout map](https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/rollout-map) (address-level, returns connection technology FTTP/FTTC/FTTN/HFC/FW/Sky Muster); ACCC oversees access regulation, current Replacement Module decision Mar-Jun 2026. ISPs: nbn co is **wholesale-only** — retail RSPs: Telstra / TPG (incl. iiNet) / Optus / Aussie Broadband / Superloop / Exetel. Tariffs (May 2026, AUD; ~AUD 1.52/USD): NBN 50 AUD 70-80 (~USD 46-53), NBN 100 AUD 85-95 (~USD 56-62), NBN 250 AUD ~99 (TPG, ~USD 65), NBN 500 avg AUD 95 (cheapest AUD 80, Finder May 2026), NBN 1000 AUD 90-110 (TPG AUD 89.99 first 6mo / 109.99); **month-to-month standard**; modem optional. FTTP available to ~5M additional premises by end-2025 (nbn target); FTTN remnants being upgraded by 2030 (95% of 622k FTTN); HFC in legacy Telstra/Optus footprint; rural nbn Fixed Wireless + Sky Muster GEO satellite + Starlink (very widely adopted as Sky Muster alternative). Starlink licensed Apr 2021 (ACMA). **Trap**: Owners Corporation (strata) approval required for new fibre lead-in/MDU pit/riser modifications; nbn has standard MDU forms but body corporate must sign; older blocks may be FTTB/N copper-tail-restricted. **Quirk**: nbn wholesale + RSP retail = **evening-peak congestion** if RSP under-provisions CVC; speed-tier degradation common in 7-11 PM window — ACCC Measuring Broadband Australia reports document this quarterly. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **NZ**: Checker [Chorus Broadband Checker](https://www.chorus.co.nz/) + [UFB.org.nz](https://www.ufb.org.nz/) availability portal + Crown Infrastructure Partners status maps (national rollout completed Dec 2022, 87% population coverage). ISPs: Spark / One NZ (formerly Vodafone) / 2degrees; **LFCs (Local Fibre Companies, wholesale)**: Chorus, Enable (Christchurch), Tuatahi (Hamilton/Tauranga), Northpower. Tariffs (May 2026, NZD; ~NZD 1.66/USD): Fibre Starter 50/10 NZD 65-75 (~USD 39-45), Fibre 300/100 (Hyperfibre entry) NZD 85-95 (~USD 51-57) — 2degrees NZD 85, Fibre 500/100 (Spark Essential) NZD 113 (~USD 68), Fibre Max 900/500 NZD 128 (~USD 77, Spark Max); most plans unlimited; modem usually included; **April 2026 industry-wide price increases applied** (One NZ confirmed). UFB fibre passes ~87% of population (CIP 30 Jun 2025: 73% uptake); rural RBI wireless + Starlink dominate non-UFB areas. Starlink licensed Apr 2021 (Radio Spectrum Management, MBIE). **Trap**: Body Corporate consent required for fibre lead-in to multi-unit dwelling; Chorus ROW process can take weeks; pre-1990s villas in-house wiring may need refresh for gigabit. **Quirk**: Chorus regulated under Telecommunications Act 2018 input methodologies (Commerce Commission price-quality path); rural NZ Starlink penetration among highest per-capita globally. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **VU**: Checker **none — no consumer address-checker surfaced this pass**; the **telecom regulator was not pulled to a primary source this pass — verify the regulator + coverage at [gov.vu](https://www.gov.vu/) + carrier direct** (the playbook names the **[Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA)](https://ura.gov.vu/)** for electricity/water, not telecoms). ISPs: a fixed/mobile broadband market exists but **specific dominant ISPs + FTTH product lines were not researched this pass** — do NOT assert a carrier list. **Tariffs: not researched this pass — do NOT quote a figure.** FTTH urban coverage + rural fallback **not primary-verified this pass**; the playbook's documented reality is that **outer-island internet is limited** — connectivity (alongside serious-medical access) is a **binding constraint** for a long-stay/remote-work buyer (per [vu playbook](../countries/vu/playbook.md)), concentrated on Efate (Port Vila) / Espiritu Santo. **Starlink: not assessed this pass — no national-regulator determination pulled; verify at [gov.vu](https://www.gov.vu/) + the [Starlink coverage map](https://www.starlink.com/map)** (not added to the Starlink registry below — status unknown, not fabricated). **Trap**: foreigners hold **leasehold only** + apartments use **strata title (Strata Titles Act 2000)** → strata/lessor approval may be needed for a new riser; verify. **Quirk**: the urban grid (UNELCO/VUI, Port Vila/Efate) is limited to urban centres and **outer islands run on diesel + solar** (per `--mains`); the **M7.3 Dec-2024 earthquake** damaged Port Vila infrastructure — a standby generator + inverter/solar is prudent for any always-on connection. **Confidence**: LOW (structural "outer-island internet limited" reality only; telecom regulator + ISP / tariff / FTTH / Starlink data not researched this pass).
- **BR**: Checker [Anatel Painel de Banda Larga](https://informacoes.anatel.gov.br/paineis/); mobile coverage panel at [informacoes.anatel.gov.br/paineis/infraestrutura/panorama](https://www.gov.br/anatel/pt-br/dados/infraestrutura/antenas-nos-municipios/paineis-de-dados). No single FTTH address checker — query Vivo/Claro/TIM/local provedor regional. ISPs: Vivo (Telefónica) / Claro (América Móvil) / TIM Live / Nio (ex-Oi); **massive ecosystem of ~20,000 small ISPs (provedores regionais) — collectively >50% of fibre market**. Tariffs (May 2026, BRL; ~BRL 5.0/USD): entry 300-500M BRL 90-120 (~USD 18-24) — Claro 350M BRL 99.90, TIM Ultrafibra BRL 89.90, Nio 500M BRL 100 fixed-until-2028; mid 600-700M BRL 120 (~USD 24); gigabit BRL 200-300 (~USD 40-60) — Claro 1G BRL 299.99; **12mo loyalty discounts** common; install often free. FTTH ~70% (Anatel Q4-2025); fibre cheap relative to GDP per capita; rural Starlink (606k subs end-2025, +85% YoY per Anatel) + 4G Home Vivo/Claro/TIM. Starlink licensed Jan 2022 (Anatel); commercial since May 2022 (regional), nationwide Feb 2023. **Trap**: condomínio assembleia approval required for new fibre infrastructure; "Lei das Antenas" 13.116/2015 supports access rights but body-corporate (síndico) gatekeeping persists; older edifícios often cable-only. **Quirk**: ISP fragmentation drives prices down — **Brazil among cheapest FTTH per Mbps in LATAM**; price/Mbps regularly under USD 0.05. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **AR**: Checker [ENACOM Mapa Conectividad](https://indicadores.enacom.gob.ar/Mapas/conectividad) + [Comparador de Precios](https://indicadores.enacom.gob.ar/Precios/Comparador/internet). ISPs: Telecentro (CABA + GBA, cable+fibre, often cheapest) / Fibertel (Cablevisión-Personal, post-Telecom Argentina merger) / Movistar (Telefónica, fibre); Claro entering fibre. Tariffs (May 2026, ARS; **FX volatility extreme** — ~ARS 1,200/USD May 2026 spot but inflation-adjusted): entry ~ARS 18,500 (~USD 15) Telecentro 150M promo; mid ~ARS 25,000-30,000 (~USD 21-25) for 300-500M; gigabit ~ARS 40,000-45,000 (~USD 33-38) Personal/Movistar premium; prices **reset every 3-6 months due to inflation**; Decree 302/2024 deregulated telco prices Jun 2024. Cumulative >150% increases 2024-2026. FTTH concentrated CABA + GBA + tier-1 cities (Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza); 6.2M FTTH lines / 13M total fixed broadband (ENACOM Internet Day 2026); rural 4G/5G LTE Home + Starlink. Starlink licensed Feb 2024 (ENACOM); commercial March 2024. **Trap**: consorcio (PH/condominio) assembly approval required for new fibre install; older Buenos Aires edificios often cable-only inside walls; reglamento de copropiedad may restrict antennas/dishes. **Quirk**: data caps still common on entry-tier plans; FX volatility means quoted USD-equivalent fluctuates monthly — **re-verify at point of purchase**; Jun 2024 Milei deregulation removed price caps. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (FX volatility ages tariffs in months).
- **CL**: Checker [SUBTEL Mapas Digitales](https://www.subtel.gob.cl/mapadigital/) + [CNEP fibre-gap geo-map](https://cnep.cl/) (identifies missing 21,600 km vs needs; data refreshed Dec 2025). ISPs: Movistar (Telefónica, FTTH leader 32.6% fibre share) / Claro-VTR (cable+fibre, post-merger 26.8% fixed share) / Mundo Pacífico (regional fibre, 24.8%) / Entel + GTD; WOM disrupting on price. Tariffs (May 2026, CLP; ~CLP 925/USD): entry CLP 9,990 (~USD 11) WOM 600M, mid CLP 14,990 (~USD 16) Movistar/VTR 600M (promo, 6mo), gigabit CLP 20,000-28,000 (~USD 22-30) Movistar Fibra Simétrica 940M; **JPMorgan/BiobioChile (Apr 2026): cheapest fixed broadband in LATAM, USD 3.12 per 100 Mbps avg**. FTTH 62,000 km deployed; gap of 21,600 km to all 2.2M unserved homes (CNEP Dec 2025); Metropolitan/Valparaíso/Biobío biggest gaps; rural Entel/Movistar 5G FWA + Starlink. Starlink licensed Apr 2022 (SUBTEL). **Trap**: comunidad de copropietarios (Ley 21.442) assembly approval needed for shared infrastructure; older Santiago departamentos often cable-only. **Quirk**: Chile pioneered net neutrality (Law 20,453/2010); 5G aggressively deployed >10M connections (TeleSemana Apr 2026); **fibre + fixed combined among most affordable in LATAM**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **CO**: Checker [CRC Comparador de Planes](https://comparador.crcom.gov.co/) + [MinTIC ColombiaTIC](https://colombiatic.mintic.gov.co/) (no address-level national checker — query [Claro Visor Mapa Fibra](https://minisitiosclaro.claro.com.co/VisorMapaFibra)). ISPs: Claro (América Móvil) / Tigo (Millicom) / Movistar (Telefónica); ETB (Bogotá-only municipal) plus regional fibre altnets. Tariffs (May 2026, COP; ~COP 4,200/USD; comparadorinternet.co Apr 2026): entry COP 55,000-58,900 (~USD 13-14) Claro/Tigo 50-100M, mid COP 75,900-100,000 (~USD 18-24) Tigo 200-250M, gigabit COP 130,000-150,000 (~USD 31-36) Claro 900M / Movistar 500M premium; subsidised "Internet para Todos" (Sisbén estratos 1-2) from COP 41,930. FTTH strong urban Bogotá/Medellín/Cali/Barranquilla; Proyecto Nacional de Fibra Óptica reached 788 municipalities; 4G covers 85% of inhabited territory; rural Starlink + Claro/Tigo/Movistar 4G Home. **Starlink licensed Apr 2024 by MinTIC/CRC**; commercial 2024. **Trap**: propiedad horizontal (Ley 675) requires assembly authorisation for new infrastructure; older Bogotá blocks often Movistar-copper or HFC-only. **Quirk**: SIC currently investigating Claro/Movistar/Tigo for 2026 price increases; CRC pushing wholesale unbundling. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **PE**: Checker [OSIPTEL Checa tu Señal](https://checatusenal.osiptel.gob.pe/) (refreshed Q3-2025, last load 5 Jan 2026) + [Checa tu Plan](https://www.checatuplan.pe/). ISPs: Movistar (Telefónica del Perú, biggest fibre footprint in Lima) / Claro (América Móvil, geographic breadth) / Entel (low-price challenger); Bitel and WOM also in fibre. Tariffs (May 2026, PEN; ~PEN 3.7/USD): entry PEN 39-55 (~USD 11-15) Bitel 200M PEN 55, Entel 100M PEN 49, WOM 100M PEN 49-59; mid PEN 59-79 (~USD 16-21) Claro 100M PEN 59-69; gigabit PEN 139-145 (~USD 38-39) Movistar 1G PEN 139.90; **12mo loyalty discounts**; without contract +PEN 10-20. Coastal + highland fibre dense; Amazon basin sparse; RDNFO national backbone 13,571 km across 284 districts; rural Starlink + 4G LTE Home Movistar/Claro/Entel. Starlink licensed 2022 (MTC); commercial since 2023. **Trap**: junta de propietarios (Ley 27157) approval for new fibre runs; older San Isidro/Miraflores blocks often single-incumbent (Movistar copper). **Quirk**: WOM aggressive on price-disruption since 2024 entry; rural Amazon connectivity gap remains acute — **Starlink the only practical answer in many districts**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **EC**: Checker [ARCOTEL](https://www.arcotel.gob.ec/) (publishes infrastructure stats and provider lists; SMA mobile coverage map online — no single FTTH address checker, query CNT/Netlife/Claro directly). ISPs: CNT (state-owned ILEC, broadest geographic footprint, universal-service obligation) / Netlife (GPON-pure-fibre challenger, premium quality) / Claro Hogar; Puntonet regional. Tariffs (May 2026, **USD — Ecuador uses USD**): entry USD 14 CNT 50M, mid USD 24-25 Netlife / Claro Hogar, gigabit USD 35-50 typical Netlife premium tier; Claro 550M USD 23 promo; **15% IVA included**; install often promotional waiver. FTTH well-served Quito/Guayaquil/Cuenca/Ambato/Loja by multiple operators; rural mostly CNT (universal-service mandate); Starlink for remote Sierra/Amazonía. Starlink licensed 2022 (ARCOTEL); commercial since 2023. **Trap**: propiedad horizontal asamblea approval required; CNT often the only legacy in-wall wiring in older buildings. **Quirk**: USD-denominated economy = no FX volatility on broadband bills (rare in LATAM); CNT state subsidy keeps entry pricing among lowest in region; Netlife widely cited as best technical quality. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **UY**: Checker [URSEC](https://www.gub.uy/unidad-reguladora-servicios-comunicaciones) (publishes coverage & pricing reports) + [Antel Tienda](https://tienda.antel.com.uy/) online address-check. ISPs: **Antel** (state monopoly held until ~2023 fibre liberalisation; now Antel + Movistar + new private entrants — DirecTV, Montevideo Comm; Antel still ~85%+ fixed share). Tariffs (May 2026, UYU; ~UYU 40/USD): entry Antel Fibra Básico ~UYU 1,500 (~USD 38, ~100M incl. landline), mid 300-600M ~UYU 2,000-2,500 (~USD 50-63), gigabit Fibra Plus ~UYU 3,000+ (~USD 75+); URSEC noted **-12.5% Antel price reduction post-competition; -10.3% sector-wide drop after private entry**. FTTH near-LATAM-leader: all towns >1,000 inhabitants by Jun 2026, all >500 by end-2026 (Antel commitment); rural Antel 4G Home + Starlink. Starlink licensed 2023 (URSEC); commercial since 2023. **Trap**: copropietarios Ley 14.560 assembly approval; Antel near-monopoly means most older edificios already wired by Antel. **Quirk**: Antel state-owned former monopoly now competing with private operators (post-2023 reform); **broadband prices dropping fast as private capacity enters**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **PA**: Checker [ASEP](https://www.asep.gob.pa/) (publishes operator licences and complaints — no national address checker; query [Tigo](https://www.tigo.com.pa/cobertura) or Cable & Wireless [cobertura.cwpanama.com](https://cobertura.cwpanama.com/)). ISPs: Tigo Panamá (Millicom, post-Cable Onda + Movistar acquisition 2019, dominant cable+fibre + mobile) / Más Móvil (Cable & Wireless, fixed-mobile challenger) / Claro Panamá; +1.1M homes on Tigo fibre (Tigo press 2025). Tariffs (May 2026, **USD — Panama uses USD**): entry USD 25-35 (Tigo 100M), mid USD 45-55 (300M incl. 150 TV channels), USD 65-80 (500M with 220 channels), gigabit ~USD 80-100; **bundles dominant**; standalone internet ~USD 5-10 less; 12mo contracts common. FTTH Panama City + Colón + David well-fibered; +90% mobile coverage; rural Darién/Bocas del Toro/Comarca = 4G/Starlink. Starlink licensed 2023 (ASEP); commercial since 2023. **Trap**: propiedad horizontal Ley 31 of 2010 — junta de propietarios approval; Casco Viejo heritage zone has additional restrictions on visible cabling. **Quirk**: Cable Onda → Tigo rebrand (2019-2021) created near-duopoly with Más Móvil; USD economy = no FX risk. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **CR**: Checker [SUTEL Mapa de Banda Ancha](https://sutel.go.cr/pagina/mapa-de-banda-ancha-en-costa-rica) + [Kolbi fibre coverage](https://www.kolbi.cr/wps/portal/kolbi_dev/hogares/asistencia/Cobertura/cobertura-fibra-optica). ISPs: Liberty (formerly Cabletica + Telecable consolidations, ~40% mobile share, FTTH leader, **100% new deployment fibre 2024, >50% FTTH coverage**) / Kölbi (ICE state-owned, ~37% mobile, 19% fixed, ARESEP/SUTEL regulated, 93-97% delivered-speed compliance) / Claro Costa Rica (~23% mobile); Tigo and Telecable also active. Tariffs (May 2026, CRC; ~CRC 510/USD): entry CRC 12,000-15,000 (~USD 24-29) Kolbi/Liberty 100M, mid CRC 18,000-25,000 (~USD 35-49) 300-500M, gigabit CRC 30,000-40,000 (~USD 59-78) Liberty/Kolbi 1G; **13% IVA included**; 12mo contract typical. FTTH GAM (Greater Metropolitan Area) heavily fibered; +19.14% fibre subscriptions YoY 2023→2024 to 650,295 (SUTEL); rural Limón/Guanacaste/Osa = Starlink + Kölbi 4G LTE. Starlink licensed 2022 (SUTEL); commercial since 2023. **Trap**: condominio Ley 7933 asamblea approval; older San José cable-only buildings being upgraded as Liberty migrates HFC to FTTH. **Quirk**: Kölbi fibre regulated quality — SUTEL publishes operator quality scorecards; Liberty 5G expansion via $90M BID Invest funding (El Financiero 2026). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **DO**: Checker [INDOTEL](https://www.indotel.gob.do/) (operator data and quality reports) + [Claro coverage](https://www.claro.com.do/personas/servicios/cobertura/mapa-de-cobertura/) + [Altice coverage](https://www.altice.com.do/personal/movil/mapa-cobertura). ISPs: Claro RD (59.3% market, biggest fibre footprint, INDOTEL 2025) / Altice Dominicana (35.2%) / Viva-Trilogy (3.8%); Wind Telecom regional. Tariffs (Apr 2026, DOP; ~DOP 60/USD): entry DOP 1,699-1,795 (~USD 28-30) Altice/Claro 30M, mid DOP 2,299-2,395 (~USD 38-40) 100M, gigabit DOP 5,499-5,995 (~USD 92-100) Altice 1G DOP 5,499 / Claro 1G DOP 5,995; **ITBIS 18% added on top**; 12mo contract common. FTTH Santo Domingo 85%, Santiago 70%, rest of country 40% (INDOTEL); rural Starlink (first Caribbean country licensed Jul 2022) + 4G/LTE. Starlink licensed Mar 2022 (INDOTEL); commercial Jul 2022 — **first Caribbean nation**. **Trap**: condominio Ley 5038 asamblea; older Santo Domingo edificios commonly Claro-only inside walls; Punta Cana resort developments often have exclusive ISP contracts. **Quirk**: gigabit pricing notably high (~USD 100/mo) relative to LATAM peers; Claro/Altice quasi-duopoly drives this. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **PY**: Checker [CONATEL](https://www.conatel.gov.py/) + [Tigo coverage](https://www.tigo.com.py/cobertura) + [COPACO Fiber Hogar zones](https://www.copaco.com.py/index.php/zonas-fiber-hogar.html) ❌ DEPRECATED — dead on 2026-09-18; verify with the authority named in this row + [Personal coverage](https://www.personal.com.py/institucional/cobertura.html). ISPs: Tigo Paraguay (Millicom, dominant) / Personal Paraguay (Telecom Argentina/Núcleo) / COPACO (state-owned, "Vox" brand); Claro mobile + entering fibre. Tariffs (May 2026, PYG; ~PYG 7,400/USD): entry PYG 200,000-250,000 (~USD 27-34) Tigo 300M / 30 up, mid PYG 280,000 (~USD 38) Tigo 400M, gigabit PYG ~350,000-450,000 (~USD 47-61) Tigo/Personal 600-1,000M; **asymmetric upload (30 Mbps) common**; 12mo contract typical. FTTH Asunción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación; majority of country still ADSL+microwave (TEDIC report); rural 4G (Tigo/Personal recently awarded 4G concessions) + Starlink. Starlink licensed 2022 (CONATEL); commercial since 2023. **Trap**: propiedad horizontal Ley 3966/1964 asamblea approval; consorcios in Asunción often have legacy COPACO copper or Tigo HFC. **Quirk**: 5G bidding mired in irregularities (Comptroller General Feb 2026 found CONATEL violations); Tigo and Personal withdrew over Chinese-equipment ban (TeleSemana); lower fibre depth than LATAM peers. **Confidence**: MEDIUM.
- **BB**: Checker [FTC Barbados](https://www.ftc.gov.bb/) (no national address checker — query [FLOW Barbados](https://discoverflow.co/barbados) or [Digicel+ Barbados](https://www.digicelgroup.com/bb/en/home-and-entertainment/internet)). ISPs: FLOW Barbados (Liberty Latin America, incumbent fibre+5G) / Digicel+ Barbados (fibre challenger). **Effective duopoly**. Tariffs (May 2026, BBD; pegged BBD 2.00 = USD 1.00): entry BBD ~120 (USD 60) FLOW fibre 100M, mid BBD ~180 (USD 90) 300-500M, gigabit BBD ~240-300 (USD 120-150) symmetric 1 Gbps (both FLOW + Digicel+ market 1G symmetric); **VAT 17.5% applies**; Digicel currently offers 20% off bundle for first 6 months; **foreign nationals without permanent residency typically required to pay security deposit** (Flow + Digicel both). FTTH Bridgetown + south/west coast densely fibered; FLOW pursuing 100% fibre; rural ~10% of island = Starlink + mobile 4G/5G. Starlink licensed 2022 (Telecommunications Unit/FTC); commercial since 2022. **Trap**: condominium tenure (foreign-buyer-favoured) — body corp approval for new fibre lead-in; Flow provides "branded permission letter" for landlord sign-off. **Quirk**: small-island duopoly = headline 1 Gbps prices ~3× US gigabit cost; Starlink critical for outer-coast holiday properties; foreign-buyer security deposit norm. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **TT**: Checker **none — no consumer address-checker surfaced this pass**; the **telecom regulator was not pulled to a primary source this pass — verify the regulator + coverage by querying the carriers direct + per parcel**. ISPs: **bmobile (TSTT) · Digicel · Flow** are the carriers (per [tt playbook](../countries/tt/playbook.md)); **FTTH-vs-DSL/coax technology + availability must be verified per parcel** before relying on any connectivity assumption. **Tariffs: not researched this pass — do NOT quote a figure; verify at the carrier.** FTTH urban coverage + rural fallback **not primary-verified this pass**; verify at-address (Port of Spain / San Fernando / Scarborough corridors vs rural Trinidad + Tobago). **Starlink: not assessed this pass — no national-regulator determination pulled; verify at the [Starlink coverage map](https://www.starlink.com/map) + the national telecom regulator** (not added to the Starlink registry below — status unknown, not fabricated). **Trap**: dual registration system (Old-Law deeds + RPA/Torrens) is a title concern, not a connectivity one, but a multi-unit/strata block may still need body-corporate approval for a new fibre lead-in — verify. **Quirk**: TTD is a managed float with a de-facto soft USD anchor (per `--currency`) — broadband bills are TTD-denominated; an FX-conversion view is only indicative. **Confidence**: LOW (carriers named + per-parcel verification flagged in playbook; no tariff / FTTH / Starlink data this pass).
- **BZ**: Checker [PUC Belize](https://www.puc.bz/) (National Spectrum Allocation Plan 2026 published 2026); query [Digi/BTL](https://livedigi.com/diginet/) or Smart at speednet.bz. ISPs: Digi/BTL (state-owned ILEC, **DigiNet FTTH ~80-90% premises coverage 2023**, 34k+ fibre subs, DigiONE quad-play) / Smart (Speednet, 4G/3G + fixed wireless "Smart Broadband Unlimited", 100k+ mobile subs); BCBI regional. Tariffs (May 2026, BZD; pegged BZD 2.00 = USD 1.00): entry BZD ~70 (USD 35) DigiNet 20M, mid BZD ~110 (USD 55) 50-100M, high-tier BZD ~150-200 (USD 75-100) 150-200M premium; Smart fixed-wireless from BZD ~80 (USD 40); **12.5% GST applies**. FTTH 80-90% (Belize.com); rural caye/southern Toledo = Smart wireless or Starlink (limited); BTL plans further rural fibre expansion next 5 years (PUC filings). **Starlink: NOT fully licensed for nationwide retail (as of 2025)** — PUC denied general consumer licence to protect local ISPs; **permits Starlink terminals in underserved rural + emergency-use cases only**. Verify with PUC. **Trap**: strata title (cayes/condos) — body corporate approval; older Belize City colonial buildings typically copper-only. **Quirk**: BTL effective monopoly on fibre; Smart provides only practical wireless competitor; **Starlink restricted = real connectivity gap on remote cayes** (Caye Caulker, Ambergris north). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **JM**: Checker [OUR](https://www.our.org.jm/) + SMA Telecommunications (no national address checker — query [FLOW JM](https://discoverflow.co/jamaica) or [Digicel+ JM](https://www.digicelgroup.com/jm/en/home-and-entertainment/internet)). ISPs: FLOW Jamaica (Liberty Latin America/Cable & Wireless, ~95% combined market with Digicel) / Digicel+ Jamaica. **Effective duopoly**. Tariffs (May 2026, JMD; ~JMD 158/USD): entry JMD ~5,500 (~USD 35) FLOW/Digicel 150M + GCT (15%), mid JMD ~6,500-8,000 (~USD 41-51) 300M, gigabit JMD ~12,000-15,000 (~USD 76-95); Digicel "Speed Without Limits" — up to 600M no extra cost on eligible lines; **bundled TV+broadband common**. FTTH Kingston + St. Andrew + Montego Bay heavily fibered (FLOW targeting 100% fibre); rural St. Elizabeth/Portland/Hanover gaps — historically only mobile. **Starlink: ❌ NOT licensed** — Jamaica explicitly **blocked grey-market sign-ups** and has not granted Starlink retail authorisation as of 2025 (multiple Caribbean reports). Verify with OUR/SMA. **Trap**: Strata Plans Act (1968) — body corporate approval for new fibre infrastructure; older Kingston buildings commonly FLOW-cable-only. **Quirk**: **Starlink absence makes Jamaica the outlier in the Caribbean** — rural broadband almost entirely dependent on FLOW/Digicel mobile and FWA; May 2024 Digicel + FLOW region-wide price hike. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **BS**: Checker [URCA](https://www.urcabahamas.bs/) (no national address checker; query [BTC](https://www.btcbahamas.com/internet-overview) or [Cable Bahamas](https://www.cablebahamas.com/)). ISPs: BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Liberty Latin America, FTTH ILEC) / Cable Bahamas/REVolution (HFC + Aliv mobile, "Aliv Fibr" launching) / Aliv (Cable Bahamas mobile arm); **government decided NO third mobile entrant** (URCA, Nassau Guardian). Tariffs (May 2026, BSD; pegged BSD 1.00 = USD 1.00): entry BTC fibre USD ~54.50 (100M), mid USD 70-85 (~150-350M), gigabit USD 150 (1G) — Cable Bahamas Aliv Fibr 1G USD 150; Aliv MiFi unlimited USD 75; bundle from USD 150 + VAT (12% VAT); no install fee on BTC standard plans. FTTH New Providence (Nassau) + Grand Bahama (Freeport) heavily fibered; Family Islands (Eleuthera, Exuma, Abaco, Long Island) sparser; **outer islands = Starlink critical** + mobile 4G. Starlink licensed 2023 (URCA); commercial 2023 (announced by PM, Nassau Guardian). **Trap**: condominium law (Property Act / common-law title) — strata approval; gated foreign-buyer communities (Albany, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay) often have exclusive ISP arrangements. **Quirk**: **Family-Island broadband = Starlink-or-nothing realistically**; URCA blocked third mobile operator (post-Aliv); highest Caribbean broadband cost-per-Mbps historically. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **KY**: Checker [OfReg](https://www.ofreg.ky/) (regulator; no consumer address-checker — query [Logic](https://logic.ky/residential/fibre-internet), [Flow Cayman](https://discoverflow.co/cayman/broadband/broadband-plans), [C3 Pure Fibre](https://c3.ky/fibre-wifi-internet/) coverage tools). ISPs: **Logic** (logic.ky — FTTH, covers >75% of homes up to 1 Gb, per [ky playbook](../countries/ky/playbook.md)) / **Flow** (Liberty Latin America/C&W — 600 Mb–1 Gb, avg DL ~275 Mb/s Q1-2025) / **C3 Pure Fibre** / Digicel. Tariffs (May 2026, KYD; pegged KYD 1.00 = USD 1.20): entry ~KYD 60-75 (~USD 72-90), mid ~KYD 90-120 (~USD 108-144), gigabit ~KYD 130-180 (~USD 156-216); C3 fibre packages historically KYD 74.99-399 (Feb-2023 — **verify current**); bundle-with-TV common; **no consumer sales/import tax on the plan** (Cayman has no income/sales tax). FTTH widespread across Grand Cayman (Logic >75% homes); rural/Sister Islands (Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) thinner — fixed-wireless + Starlink. International capacity via **Maya-1** + **CJFS (Cayman–Jamaica Fibre System)** submarine cables. **Starlink: ✅ licensed 23 Dec 2025 (OfReg — Cayman's first satellite-service licence under the Sept-2025 framework)**; terminals were banned 2024, then emergency-use-only early-2025, before the full framework cleared retail. **Trap**: strata (Cayman Islands Strata Titles Registration Law) — body-corporate approval for new fibre riser; gated developments (Seven Mile Beach condos) often have anchor-ISP arrangements — verify before signing. **Quirk**: OfReg refereed a Flow-vs-C3 duct/make-ready infrastructure-sharing dispute (2022) — competitive but small market; USD-pegged so no FX risk for USD buyers. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (tariff bands carrier-page-est. — verify current pricing; Starlink date primary-source-confirmed).
- **BM**: Checker [Regulatory Authority of Bermuda (RA)](https://www.ra.bm/) (regulator; no consumer address-checker — query [OneComm FibreWire](https://onecomm.bm/internet-plans/) or [Digicel BM](https://www.digicelgroup.com/bm/en/home-and-entertainment/home-internet)). ISPs: **OneComm (One Communications)** — "FibreWire" FTTH + Bermuda's first 5G / **Digicel** — fibre + LTE home; **the two hold >95% combined broadband + mobile share (RA 2025 Market Review)**. **Effective duopoly**. Tariffs (May 2026, BMD; pegged BMD 1.00 = USD 1.00): RA **forced entry-level package price cuts effective 1 Oct 2025** ("fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory"); entry ~USD 60-90, mid ~USD 100-140, gigabit ~USD 150-200+ (**verify exact tiers at carrier pages — Bermuda is repeatedly ranked among the most expensive jurisdictions for broadband globally**); Digicel+ Home Fibre fees rose 1 Jul 2025. FTTH island-wide (Bermuda is ~54 km², dense — small-island near-universal fibre/cable); rural fallback minimal (no true rural). **Starlink: 🟡 pending** — listed "Starting 2026" on the Starlink map; the RA 2025 Market Review treats Starlink entry as likely (already at regional scale); **no commercial RA licence confirmed as of May 2026 — verify with the RA**. **Trap**: condominium / "Bermudian-only" land-licence regime is separate from connectivity, but strata/HOA approval may be needed for a new riser in older Hamilton blocks. **Quirk**: RA mandated quarterly KPI reporting from major-market-power operators (OneComm + Digicel) from 28 Feb 2026 with annual August price reviews through 2028 — pricing is actively regulated downward; USD-pegged so no FX risk. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (tariff tiers carrier-page-est.; Starlink pending-not-confirmed).
- **TC**: Checker [TCI Telecommunications Commission](https://telecommission.tc/) (regulator; no consumer address-checker — query [Flow](https://discoverflow.co/) or [Digicel](https://www.digicelgroup.com/)). ISPs: **Flow (Cable & Wireless / Liberty Latin America)** — fixed + mobile + fibre / **Digicel** — mobile + fibre + broadband. **Effective duopoly**. Tariffs (May 2026, **USD — TCI uses the US Dollar**): broadband advertised **from ~USD 99/mo (Flow)** per [tc playbook](../countries/tc/playbook.md); mid/gigabit tiers higher — small-island duopoly pricing runs well above US levels (**verify exact tiers at carrier pages**); no consumer sales tax on the plan (TCI has no income/sales tax). FTTH available in **Providenciales (Provo)**; outer islands (North/Middle/South Caicos, Grand Turk, Salt Cay) sparser — fixed-wireless + (future) Starlink. **Starlink: 🟡 pending** — **Starlink Caribbean LLC applied for an ISP licence (TCI Telecom Commission PN 2024-6 / consultation 2025-2)**; new satellite-network/spectrum licensing framework requires Cabinet approval; **launch expected 2026, pending approval — verify with the Commission**. A US-registered Starlink dish works on TCI but the service is **not yet locally sold/supported**. **Trap**: strata title (Torrens-registered) — body-corporate approval for new fibre lead-in; resort/condo developments (Grace Bay) may have exclusive ISP contracts. **Quirk**: regulators have signalled they want satellite operators to partner a licensed local MNO (lawful-intercept/spectrum) — Starlink's white-label resistance has slowed approval region-wide; USD economy = no FX risk. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (tariff bands carrier-page-est.; Starlink pending-applied).
- **VG**: Checker [Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC)](https://bvi.gov.vg/) (regulator; no consumer address-checker — query [Flow](https://discoverflow.co/) or Digicel). ISPs: **Flow** (incumbent, Liberty Latin America / ex-C&W — first FTTH, advertised up to ~300 Mbps) / **Digicel** (market-leader ~47% mobile share, 4G/LTE) / **CCT** (local). **Effective duopoly + local CCT**. Tariffs (May 2026, **USD — BVI uses the US Dollar**): small-island duopoly pricing (entry/mid/gigabit tiers carrier-published — **verify at carrier pages**); no VAT/GST on the plan (BVI has no VAT). FTTH available in **Road Town + developed Tortola** — **confirm availability AT THE SPECIFIC PARCEL**; outer islands (Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke) + hillside lots may lack fibre; networks were rebuilt post-Hurricane-Irma (2017). **Starlink: 🟡 pending** — listed "Starting 2026" on the Starlink map; **no confirmed TRC commercial licence as of May 2026** (installers operate via foreign-registered roaming dishes — `grey` in practice); **verify with the TRC**. **Trap**: registered-land (Torrens) strata — body-corporate approval for new fibre; **note the separate NBLHL non-Belonger land-holding licence regime** (unrelated to connectivity but gates the purchase itself). **Quirk**: diesel grid + cistern/RO water means a property may also need its own power/water resilience for any always-on connection; USD economy = no FX risk. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (tariffs carrier-page-est.; Starlink pending-not-confirmed).
- **KN**: Checker [NTRC St Kitts & Nevis](https://www.ntrc.kn/) (national regulator) + **ECTEL** (regional authority for OECS states) (no consumer address-checker — query [Flow St Kitts](https://discoverflow.co/web/saint-kitts) or [Digicel KN](https://www.digicelgroup.com/kn/)). ISPs: **Flow (Cable & Wireless / Liberty Latin America)** / **Digicel** — both with fibre in main/resort areas / **The Cable (St Kitts–Nevis Cable Communications)** (state-linked fixed-line + internet). **Flow + Digicel duopoly + The Cable**. Tariffs (May 2026, XCD; pegged XCD 2.70 = USD 1.00): small-island fibre tiers carrier-published (entry/mid/gigabit — **verify at carrier pages**); fibre in main/resort areas, variable elsewhere — **verify at the specific address**. FTTH in developed Basseterre / Frigate Bay / Nevis main areas; rural/hillside thinner — fixed-wireless + (future) Starlink. **Starlink: 🟡 pending** — listed "Starting 2026" on the Starlink map; **ECTEL states (KN/LC/GD/DM/VC) are adjusting their NGSO regulatory + spectrum-fee framework; no confirmed NTRC/ECTEL commercial licence for KN as of May 2026 — verify with the NTRC**. (Neighbouring DM/Dominica, out-of-scope, launched Jun 2025 — the regional precedent.) **Trap**: condominium / strata approval for new fibre riser; CBI-linked resort developments may have anchor-ISP contracts. **Quirk**: ECTEL is the regional coordinator — licence timing tracks the OECS-wide NGSO framework rather than a single national decision; XCD is USD-pegged so no FX risk. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (tariffs carrier-page-est.; Starlink pending under ECTEL framework).
- **AG**: Checker [Antigua & Barbuda telecoms regulator](https://ab.gov.ag/) (no consumer address-checker — query [APUA inet](https://www.apua.ag/), [Flow](https://discoverflow.co/), [Digicel AG](https://www.digicelgroup.com/ag/)). ISPs: **APUA (Antigua Public Utilities Authority) — "inet" / "iMobile"**: **state operator, dominant in fixed broadband; FTTH covers all of Antigua (being extended to Barbuda), 50–500 Mbps** / **Flow (Cable & Wireless)** (~4-5% fixed share) / **Digicel**. **APUA-dominant fixed + Flow/Digicel mobile**. Tariffs (May 2026, XCD; pegged XCD 2.70 = USD 1.00): APUA inet fibre tiers carrier-published, 50–500 Mbps (entry/mid — **verify at apua.ag**); **17% ABST sales tax** context (the same tax Starlink was found not to be collecting). FTTH islandwide on Antigua via APUA; Jolly Harbour / St John's / English Harbour well-served; rural patchier; Barbuda extension ongoing; 4G widespread, 5G limited. **Starlink: ✅ available (announced live by Starlink Aug 2025) — BUT formal regulatory approval still ongoing** (government has not disrupted service = tacit approval; outstanding **ABST 17% tax-registration / compliance dispute**; earlier licence talks snagged on white-labelling, which Starlink rejected). Treat as **`available, formal-licence-pending` — verify current status with the regulator**. **Trap**: condominium / strata approval for new fibre; CBI resort developments may have ISP exclusivity. **Quirk**: **APUA state dominance in fixed broadband is the regional outlier** (vs the usual Flow/Digicel duopoly) — Flow's fixed share only ~4-5%; XCD USD-pegged so no FX risk. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (APUA dominance + Starlink-available primary-sourced; tariff tiers carrier-page-est.; Starlink formal-licence status fluid — verify).
- **LC**: Checker [NTRC Saint Lucia](https://www.ntrc.lc/) (national regulator) + **ECTEL** (regional) (no consumer address-checker — query [Flow](https://discoverflow.co/) or [Digicel LC](https://www.digicelgroup.com/lc/en/home-and-entertainment/home-internet)). ISPs: **Flow (Cable & Wireless / Liberty Latin America)** / **Digicel** — both with FTTH. **Effective duopoly**. Tariffs (May 2026, XCD; pegged XCD 2.70 = USD 1.00): Digicel+ Home Fibre **350 Mbps EC$174 (~USD 64), 500 Mbps EC$209 (~USD 77)**, 250 Mbps from ~EC$136 (~USD 50), 1 Gbps on premium tiers ([Digicel LC carrier page](https://www.digicelgroup.com/lc/en/home-and-entertainment/home-internet) — verify current); Flow comparable. FTTH/cable in the **Rodney Bay / Castries corridor**; rural / SW coverage thinner — fixed-wireless + (future) Starlink. **Starlink: 🟡 pending** — listed "Starting 2026" on the Starlink map; **ECTEL/NTRC NGSO + spectrum-fee framework being finalised; no confirmed commercial licence for LC as of May 2026 — verify with the NTRC**. **Regional resilience risk**: Flow/Digicel customers across the Eastern Caribbean have suffered **region-wide internet outages** tied to submarine-cable / regional infrastructure — for remote-work buyers recommend **dual-carrier + Starlink failover** (once licensed). **Trap**: condominium / strata approval for new fibre. **Quirk**: ECTEL coordinates licence timing OECS-wide; XCD USD-pegged so no FX risk. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (Digicel tariffs carrier-page-sourced; Starlink pending under ECTEL framework).
- **GD**: Checker [NTRC Grenada (ntrc.gd)](https://ntrc.gd/) (national regulator) + **ECTEL** (regional) (no consumer address-checker — query [Flow](https://discoverflow.co/) or [Digicel GD](https://www.digicelgroup.com/gd/en/home-and-entertainment/internet)). ISPs: **Flow (Cable & Wireless / Liberty Latin America)** / **Digicel** — both with fibre. **Effective duopoly**. Tariffs (May 2026, XCD; pegged XCD 2.70 = USD 1.00): small-island fibre tiers carrier-published — Digicel+ fibre advertised up to **200 Mbps DL / 100 Mbps UL** ([Digicel GD carrier page](https://www.digicelgroup.com/gd/en/home-and-entertainment/internet) — verify current pricing); Flow comparable. FTTH/4G in the populated **south/west** (St George's); coverage thins in the rural north and on **Carriacou / Petite Martinique** — fixed-wireless + (future) Starlink; international capacity via **Southern Caribbean Fiber / Columbus**. **Starlink: 🟡 pending** — listed "Starting 2026" on the Starlink map; **ECTEL/NTRC NGSO + spectrum-fee framework being finalised; no confirmed commercial licence for GD as of May 2026 — verify with the NTRC**. **Trap**: title system is **deeds-recording (not Torrens)** — unrelated to connectivity but a clean chain matters; condominium / strata approval for new fibre. **Quirk**: ECTEL coordinates licence timing OECS-wide; XCD USD-pegged so no FX risk. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (tariffs carrier-page-est.; Starlink pending under ECTEL framework).

### MENA + SSA + Asia + CIS (AE, SA, QA, KW, BH, OM, JO, IL, EG, MA, TN, LB · ZA, KE, NG, GH, RW, MU, SC, CV, NA, BW · SG, HK, MO, TW, KR, JP, CN, IN, PK, TH, VN, ID, MY, PH, LK, KH, MV · GE, AM, AZ, KZ, UZ)

This 44-country band breaks into (a) **MENA Gulf duopolies** (AE Etisalat-du, SA STC-Mobily-Zain, QA Ooredoo-Vodafone, KW STC-Ooredoo-Zain, BH Batelco-stc-Zain-Kalaam, OM wholesale Oman Broadband split) — gigabit FTTH near-universal at 1 Gbps from $80-150/mo, Starlink mostly pending; (b) **MENA wider** (JO, IL, EG, MA, TN, LB) — JO recently licensed Starlink (Feb 2026), IL no Starlink (security), EG has GB-capped plans, LB Ogero rebuild post-2019 collapse with EDL outages; (c) **SSA** (ZA, KE, NG, GH, RW, MU, SC, CV, NA, BW) — ZA grey Starlink + load-shedding ISP-UPS premium; NG/KE/GH/RW Starlink licensed and disrupting fibre incumbents; MU/SC small-island fibre + Starlink for outer atolls; **NA + BW connectivity not researched this pass — regulator/carrier-direct verification only (BW carriers Mascom/Orange/BTC via BOCRA; NA via gov.na)**; (d) **Asia high-FTTH tier** (SG, HK, MO, TW, KR, JP) — gigabit-FTTH ubiquitous, $25-50/mo; (e) **Asia mid-tier** (CN, IN, PK, TH, VN, ID, MY, PH, LK, KH, MV) — CN GFW + IPLC dedicated international line for foreigners; IN Starlink pending; MV Starlink as primary-tier on outer atolls; **PK connectivity not researched this pass — fixed fibre concentrated in upscale schemes (verify per scheme via PTA), with periodic security-event internet throttling/shutdowns the binding caveat**; (f) **CIS** (GE, AM, AZ, KZ, UZ) — Magti/Silknet GE duopoly cheap, KZ Beeline-Starlink Direct-to-Cell partnership 2026.

**Banned Starlink in scope**: CN. **Pending in scope**: SA, MA, EG, BH, KW, AM, AZ, GE, UZ, TH, IN, IL (security review). **Recently licensed**: AE (TDRA licence 28 Aug 2026), JO (Feb 2026), KE (Jul 2023), NG (May 2023), KZ (2024), MY (2024), KH (2024), TW (2024), ID (2024), MV (Aug 2023), JP (2022), CV (Dec 2024), RW (Jun 2024), MU (2023), SC (active). **Grey-market**: ZA (ICASA 30% BEE-equity blocker; expected legal launch 2026-2027). **Not on coverage map**: LB.

#### MENA (12)

- **AE**: Checker [TDRA](https://tdra.gov.ae/) (no national address checker — query Etisalat e& and du carrier sites direct by Emirates ID + plot number). ISPs: **Etisalat (e&) + du — duopoly** (no third-party FTTH retail). Tariffs (May 2026): e& Neo 1 Gbps AED 399, [eLife Ultra Starter 1 Gbps AED 299 promo / 429](https://www.eand.com/), 5 Gbps AED 1,799, 10 Gbps AED 2,699; excl. 5% VAT. FTTH ~99% urban (Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Sharjah); rural/desert 5G FWA dominates. **Starlink: TDRA 10-yr General Space Services License granted 28 Aug 2026** (scope per TDRA: consumers + businesses + government + maritime + aviation; the 2024 licence was maritime-only) — consumer service reported live from 18 Mar 2026 (The National 23 Mar 2026, secondary); confirm use restrictions with TDRA. **Trap**: freehold/leasehold towers usually have a single ISP per developer (Emaar = e&, Damac = du-tilt); switching requires landlord/HOA letter. **Quirk**: Etisalat-du duopoly; no LLU; VoIP (WhatsApp/FaceTime) historically blocked — partial relaxation 2024+. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **SA**: Checker [CST](https://www.cst.gov.sa/) (formerly CITC — MEQYAS QoE portal; address coverage via carrier sites). ISPs: STC (incumbent) / Mobily / Zain KSA / Salam / Go Telecom. Tariffs (May 2026): Zain 100M SAR 220, Mobily 500M SAR 322 / 1G SAR 402, STC entry SAR 189-460; STC FTTH ~2.19M subs (Sep 2025, CST). FTTH ~69% of fixed broadband subs are FTTH (CST Sep 2025); Riyadh/Jeddah near-universal; rural 5G FWA from STC. **Starlink: pending** — no CST commercial licence as of May 2026; verify at cst.gov.sa. **Trap**: compound villas often have only the developer's chosen ISP; Aramco-housing locked to STC. **Quirk**: 5G FWA (STC, Mobily) very strong nationwide; VoIP relaxed since 2017; VPNs technically restricted but tolerated. **Confidence**: HIGH (FTTH) / MEDIUM (Starlink uncertain).
- **QA**: Checker [CRA](https://www.cra.gov.qa/) (no public address checker — query Ooredoo / Vodafone direct). ISPs: Ooredoo (incumbent) / Vodafone Qatar. Tariffs (May 2026): Ooredoo Home+ Go 1 Gbps QAR 365, Vodafone GigaHome 1 Gbps QAR 299 (router incl, 1st 2 mo free promo); up to 25 Gbps enterprise. FTTH near-100% Doha + Lusail; entire country FTTH-passed (Ooredoo Fiber-to-Home target met 2018+). **Starlink: pending** — no public CRA approval as of May 2026. **Trap**: compound villas (Pearl-Qatar, West Bay) wired one provider; switch needs developer permission. **Quirk**: among world's fastest baselines — **1 Gbps is *entry* tier**; VoIP previously blocked, relaxed 2022 ahead of FIFA WC. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **KW**: Checker [CITRA](https://citra.gov.kw/) (no address checker — carrier sites direct). ISPs: stc Kuwait (incumbent) / Ooredoo / Zain — **Zain launched FTTR (room-level) 2024**. Tariffs (May 2026): stc/Zain/Ooredoo 1 Gbps approx KWD 30-50/mo (~USD 100-165) bundled with TV; specific rate cards not consistently published — verify giraffy.com/kw + carrier portals. FTTH Kuwait City + suburbs ~95%; oil-camp/rural 4G/5G FWA. **Starlink: pending** — not licensed by CITRA as of May 2026. **Trap**: Salmiya/Mahboula tower buildings often single-ISP per landlord choice. **Quirk**: Zain FTTR (gigabit room-by-room mesh) is region-first; VoIP partial-block remains. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (rate-card opacity).
- **BH**: Checker [TRA Bahrain](https://www.tra.org.bh/) (no granular address tool — carrier portals direct). ISPs: Batelco (incumbent, Beyon brand) / stc Bahrain / Zain Bahrain / Kalaam Telecom. Tariffs (May 2026): [Batelco fibre packages](https://www.batelco.com/home-services/fiber-internet-packages/); typical 1 Gbps ~BHD 30-45/mo (~USD 80-120) — confirm on carrier site. FTTH ~98% urban; Bahrain is ~only-urban so FTTH effectively national. **Starlink: pending** — TRA has not granted commercial licence as of May 2026. **Trap**: Reef Island / Amwaj Islands towers wired single provider per developer. **Quirk**: mature LLU under TRA — Kalaam Telecom is independent Tier-2 wholesale buyer. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (rate-card opacity).
- **OM**: Checker [TRA Oman](https://www.tra.gov.om/) + [Oman Broadband coverage map](https://omanbroadband.om/coverage-map/) (wholesale infra map + retail via Omantel/Ooredoo/Awasr). ISPs: Omantel (incumbent) / Ooredoo Oman / Awasr (retail-only on Oman Broadband fibre) / Oman Broadband (wholesale). Tariffs (May 2026): [Ooredoo Manzili tiers OMR 28/35/45/95](https://www.ooredoo.om/en/personal/home/fibre-home-internet/) (12mo); Omantel gigabit ~OMR 35; Awasr OMR 27 unlimited; +5% VAT; install OMR 10-15. FTTH Muscat/Salalah/Sohar ~95%; mountain interior 4G/5G FWA. **Starlink: pending** — TRA approval in process; Omantel/SpaceX MoU 2024. **Trap**: Oman Broadband owns wholesale fibre — retail switch is cheap (no truck-roll). **Quirk**: wholesale-retail split (Oman Broadband / Awasr/Ooredoo/Omantel) is unusually open for Gulf. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **JO**: Checker [TRC](https://www.trc.gov.jo/) (no address checker — Orange/Umniah/Zain Fiber portals direct). ISPs: Orange Jordan (incumbent FTTH leader) / Umniah / Zain Jordan / Damamax. Tariffs (May 2026): Orange Fiber ~JOD 22-55 (50-500M); Umniah Fiber ~JOD 24+; rate cards on [orange.jo](https://www.orange.jo/) / [umniah.com](https://www.umniah.com/) — verify. FTTH Amman/Aqaba/Irbid ~70% passed; rural still 4G LTE/ADSL. **Starlink licensed Feb 2026** — [Sama X (Alghanim-backed) signed TRC reseller licence](https://jordantimes.com/news/local/trc-signs-telecommunications-licence-starlink-jordan) (Jordan Times). **Trap**: older Amman walk-ups (1990s villas) need pole-to-roof drop; HOA approval common. **Quirk**: Orange dominant in fixed; Umniah strong challenger; Mada (legacy ADSL) being phased out. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **IL**: Checker [MoC](https://www.gov.il/he/Departments/ministry_of_communications) (no consumer address tool — check each ISP). ISPs: Bezeq / Partner / HOT / IBC (wholesale) + retail Cellcom / Expon / 019. Tariffs (May 2026): [Bezeq 2.5 Gbps NIS 149/mo + ISP ~NIS 30 → ~NIS 180 total (~USD 50)](https://bezeq.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bezeq-launches-fttr-first-time-israel); 1 Gbps from ~NIS 99 + ISP; wholesale 2.5G NIS 85 / 5G NIS 95 (excl VAT). FTTH ~45% homes-passed early 2024 (MoC); Tel Aviv/Jerusalem/Haifa metro ~80%; rural moshav slower. **Starlink: NOT available — no SpaceX Israel licence** (security review). **Trap**: pre-2000 stone Jerusalem walk-ups need internal Cat-6 retrofit; new condos pre-wired. **Quirk**: wholesale-retail split (Bezeq + IBC fibre, multiple ISP brands resell) like UK Openreach. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **EG**: Checker [NTRA](https://www.tra.gov.eg/) (no national address tool — check WE/Orange/Vodafone/e& Egypt portals). ISPs: WE (Telecom Egypt, ~80% subs) / Orange Egypt / Vodafone Egypt / e& Egypt. Tariffs (May 2026, EGP — post [NTRA-approved hike, announced 6 May 2026, +9-15% incl VAT](https://www.tra.gov.eg/en/ntra-approves-new-packages-for-digital-inclusion-and-price-adjustment-of-some-services-2)): WE entry tiers from EGP 150; **GB-capped not unlimited** — 200 GB EGP 330, 250 GB EGP 395, 300 GB EGP 460, 400 GB EGP 580 (incl VAT); Orange 30M EGP 210, 200M EGP 1,760. FTTH median fixed 76.7 Mbps Q1-2025 (Speedtest); Cairo/Alex/Red Sea metros ~60% FTTH; MCIT 2030 universal target. **Starlink: pending** — NTRA approval not yet granted (May 2026). **Trap**: many Cairo apartments still on VDSL copper; Sahel coast resorts (Sokhna/Gouna) often on developer-controlled FTTH single-vendor. **Quirk**: **plans are GB-capped not unlimited (rare globally)**; VoIP officially restricted (Skype/WhatsApp call blocking historically applied). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MA**: Checker [ANRT](https://www.anrt.ma/) (quality portal — carrier sites direct: [iam.ma](https://www.iam.ma/), [orange.ma](https://www.orange.ma/), [inwi.ma](https://www.inwi.ma/)). ISPs: Maroc Telecom (IAM, incumbent) / Orange Morocco / inwi; **FiberCo JV (IAM+Inwi 2024) is wholesale-only**. Tariffs (May 2026): IAM 200M ~MAD 299, 1G ~MAD 499 (post 2025 upgrade — 100→200M and 200M→1G); Orange/Inwi 50-200M MAD 199-349. FTTH Casablanca/Rabat/Marrakech metro ~50% passed; FiberCo target 1M lines in 2 yrs / 3M in 5 yrs; rural 4G/5G (**5G launched 7-Nov-2025**). **Starlink: pending** — ANRT has not licensed; equipment imports restricted. **Trap**: medina riads need overhead cable drop + landlord permission; new villas in Anfa/Souissi pre-fibered. **Quirk**: VoIP (Skype/WhatsApp call) periodically blocked by ANRT directive — affects remote workers. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **TN**: Checker [INT](https://www.intt.tn/) (no address tool — carrier portals). ISPs: Tunisie Telecom (incumbent) / Ooredoo Tunisie (42.9% share) / Orange Tunisie. Tariffs (2026-09-18 verified, Tunisie Telecom published tariff table; TND has 3 decimals — the page writes "69,900 DT TTC" = TND 69.900/month): TT Fibre Rapido 50M **TND 59.900–69.900/mo** (36→12-month commitment), 100M TND 89.900–110.900, 300M TND 179.900, 500M TND 349.900, [**1G TND 549.900 TTC/mo**](https://www.tunisietelecom.tn/particulier/fixe-internet/offres/fibrett); *frais de raccordement* **TND 39.900 one-off**; Orange Fibre up to 100M unlimited. FTTH Tunis/Sousse/Sfax ~40% passed; Tataouine 22 new fibre projects 2025 (TT); rural ADSL/4G; **5G launched Feb-2025** by all 3 operators. **Starlink: pending** — INT licence unconfirmed; verify Starlink map. **Trap**: old medina (Sidi Bou Said) needs aerial drop — heritage-zone permits. **Quirk**: 5G young; VoIP historically restricted. **Confidence**: MEDIUM.
- **LB**: Checker [TRA Lebanon](https://www.tra.gov.lb/) (limited — Ogero is the wholesale + retail incumbent). ISPs: Ogero (gov-owned wholesale + retail) / IDM / Cyberia / Sodetel; mobile: Alfa + Touch (state-managed). Tariffs (May 2026): **Ogero 80 GB plan LBP 420,000; 100 GB LBP 630,000 (post Sep-2023 7× increase, fixed at LBP 25,500/USD = ~USD 16-25)**; private ISP fibre USD 25-50/mo (verify [cyberia.net.lb](https://www.cyberia.net.lb/), [idm.net.lb](https://www.idm.net.lb/)). FTTH 221k FTTH households connected by 2024 (Ogero); +406k planned 2025; backhaul 20→40 Gbps; LTE 97→219 sites by end-2025, 390 by 2026. **Starlink: NOT licensed** — Lebanon not on SpaceX availability map May 2026. **Trap**: **90% of Beirut buildings need generator + UPS** due to **EDL 3-12 hr/day outages** — fibre ONT must be on backup power. **Quirk**: banking-collapse legacy — many ISPs price in USD; **EDL grid + Ogero rebuild post-2019 = generator essential**. **Confidence**: HIGH.

#### SSA (10)

- **ZA**: Checker [ICASA](https://www.icasa.org.za/) (no address tool — aggregators [atomic.co.za/coverage](https://atomic.co.za/coverage), [fastestfibre.co.za](https://www.fastestfibre.co.za/), [fibretiger.co.za](https://www.fibretiger.co.za/) query Vumatel/Openserve/Frogfoot/Octotel maps). ISPs: Vumatel/Openserve(Telkom)/Frogfoot/Octotel (wholesale fibre); retail Afrihost/Webafrica/Cool Ideas/MTN/Vox/Vodacom; Rain (5G FWA). Tariffs (May 2026): Vumatel R449 (25M) → R1,204 (1G); Octotel R569-R1,289; Openserve R699-R1,169 (500M top); Rain rainOne Home 5G uncapped R649 (~USD 24-65). FTTH ~50% urban suburbs (JHB/CT/Durban) homes-passed; townships expanding via Vumatel Vumareach; rural 4G/5G + Starlink (grey). **Starlink: GREY-MARKET** — **ICASA requires 30% local-ownership (BEE)**; Dec-2025 equity-equivalent (EEIP) policy direction rejected by ICASA 13 May 2026 as needing an ECA amendment; ICASA draft RF Spectrum Regulations amendments (GG 54677, 15 May 2026 — blanket licensing for satellite terminal networks) heard 19-20 Aug 2026; imports via roaming reseller (Mauritius/Mozambique SIMs) widely used; **earliest legal launch est. 2027 or later** (inputs: no SpaceX licence application on file per ICASA as reported 15 Sep 2026, Daily Maverick, secondary; ECA amendment required per ICASA 13 May 2026). **Trap**: estate HOAs often single-ISP-deal (Steyn City = Vumatel, Waterfall = Frogfoot); body corp approval required; sectional title may have shared fibre cabinet — switch within network easy. **Quirk**: **load-shedding = ISP UPS premium essential**; many ISPs charge R200-500/mo for line-side battery (Vumatel "Reach" + line-side UPS); some use 4G/5G failover (Rain) during ESKOM cuts. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **KE**: Checker [CA](https://www.ca.go.ke/) (no address tool — Safaricom/Zuku/Faiba portals). ISPs: Safaricom Home Fibre (largest) / Zuku Fibre (Wananchi) / JTL Faiba / Vilcom / Mawingu / Poa! / Savanna Fibre. Tariffs (May 2026): Safaricom Bronze 40M from ~KES 2,500 (post Apr-2026 25% reduction); Gold 150M; Zuku 20M KES 4,199 / 60M KES 5,999; Faiba 90M KES 10,000 / 300M KES 20,000; Starlink Lite KES 4,000 (100M) / Residential KES 6,500. FTTH Nairobi/Mombasa/Kisumu ~60% upper-middle estate coverage; rural Starlink + 4G. **Starlink licensed 2023 (CA)** — operational countrywide; **price-war pressure from Savanna Fibre Mar-2026**. **Trap**: gated estates (Runda, Karen, Lavington) usually have anchor ISP via estate association; switching needs AGM vote. **Quirk**: aggressive price war 2026 (Savanna Fibre disruption); FUP "unlimited" caveats common (techblogsafrica.com flag). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **NG**: Checker [NCC](https://www.ncc.gov.ng/) (no consumer address tool — carriers direct). ISPs: MTN Fibre / Spectranet / ipNX / Tizeti (wireless) / FibreOne / **Starlink (now #2 by users mid-2026 trajectory)**. Tariffs (May 2026): Starlink Residential NGN 57,000 + NGN 590,000 hardware (post 50% hike Apr 2025); Spectranet Diamond NGN 30,000 (200 GB FUP) → MegaData NGN 60,000 (550 GB); ipNX unlimited from ~NGN 22,253; FibreOne unlimited from ~NGN 17,604; Tizeti ~NGN 22,500. FTTH Lagos/Abuja/PH ~25-35% middle-class FTTH; rest 4G/Starlink/wireless. **Starlink licensed 2023 (NCC)** — operational; **rapidly displacing fibre in Lagos premium segment** (Rest of World 2025 reporting). **Trap**: estate developers often lock anchor ISP; FUP caps despite "unlimited" branding; power outages → UPS essential. **Quirk**: NCC approved 50% tariff hike Jan-2025 → all ISPs raised; FUP "unlimited" theatre. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **GH**: Checker [NCA](https://www.nca.org.gh/) (no consumer tool — carriers direct). ISPs: MTN Fibre / Telecel (formerly Vodafone Ghana) / AirtelTigo / Surfline (defunct, ceased) / Telesol. Tariffs (May 2026): MTN/Telecel fibre GHS 300-1,000; Telecel Downloader ~290 GB GHS 410, Office ~621 GB GHS 680; Telesol 40 GB GHS 81; Starlink monthly GHS 760, Mini Kit GHS 2,200-4,500 / Standard GHS 7,000. FTTH Accra/Kumasi/Takoradi ~30% middle-class; **Starlink fastest avg DL 70.6 Mb/s in 2025**. **Starlink licensed** — operational; fastest broadband by 2025 (NCA + Speedtest data). **Trap**: most fibre is GB-capped not unlimited; estate exclusivity common; Surfline collapse left customers stranded. **Quirk**: power outages ("dumsor") + capped FUP plans; foreigners often default to MTN+Starlink dual-stack. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **RW**: Checker [RURA](https://www.rura.rw/) (limited consumer tool — carrier sites). ISPs: MTN Rwanda / Airtel Rwanda / Liquid Home Rwanda / **KT Rwanda Networks (wholesale 4G)**. Tariffs (May 2026): [Liquid Home from RWF 27,999](https://rw.liquidhome.tech/) (Kigali); MTN/Airtel mobile-data dominant; gigabit fibre ~RWF 60,000+. FTTH Kigali ~40% passed; rural 4G via KTRN wholesale infrastructure. **Starlink licensed Jun 2024 (apostille batch)** — operational. **Trap**: Kigali condos/villas in Nyarutarama/Kacyiru often single-ISP per estate. **Quirk**: **KTRN wholesale model (4G nationwide via single network — MTN/Airtel resell) is rare for SSA**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MU**: Checker [ICTA](https://www.icta.mu/) (no granular tool — my.t coverage at [home.myt.mu](https://home.myt.mu/)). ISPs: Mauritius Telecom (my.t, formerly Orange) / Emtel / Bharat Telecom / MTML. Tariffs (May 2026): my.t 1 Gbps ~MUR 2,500-3,500 (~USD 55-75) — verify [myt.mu](https://www.myt.mu/); 50M was MUR 1,100 in 2023, entry now ~MUR 1,300. FTTH near-universal — **my.t FTTH covers ~95% homes** (Mauritius is small + densely populated). **Starlink licensed** — operational (Mauritius approved 2023). **Trap**: coastal estates (Tamarin, Grand Baie) wired single ISP per developer; IRS/RES properties often pre-fibered. **Quirk**: submarine-cable redundancy via SAFE + LION; 5G nationwide from Emtel/my.t. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **SC**: Checker [DICT](https://www.ict.gov.sc/) / [Cable & Wireless coverage](https://www.cwseychelles.com/). ISPs: Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS) / Airtel Seychelles / Intelvision (cable). Tariffs (May 2026): CWS unlimited 5G FWA ~SCR 899 (~USD 65); **GigaNet 10 Gbps tier launched late-2024 (Africa-first 50G-PON)** — premium pricing not publicly listed; mobile data SCR 149 (1 GB) / SCR 499 (3 GB). FTTH Mahé / Praslin / La Digue ~90%; outer atolls satellite/4G only. **Starlink licensed** — operational on availability map. **Trap**: outer-island villas (Praslin/La Digue) often Starlink-primary by necessity. **Quirk**: **first African 10 Gbps consumer fibre (CWS GigaNet 50G-PON)**; one of Africa's most expensive mobile data ($12.66/GB). **Confidence**: HIGH (FTTH) / MEDIUM (10G price-card opacity).
- **CV**: Checker [ARME](https://www.arme.cv/) (formerly ANAC; no consumer tool — carrier sites [alou.cv (Cabo Verde Telecom)](https://www.alou.cv/) / [uniteltmais.cv (Unitel T+)](https://www.uniteltmais.cv/)). ISPs: CVTelecom (incumbent, fixed) / Unitel T+ (mobile-led) / CVMóvel ("Alou"); **Starlink licensed Dec 2024**. Tariffs (May 2026): specific 2026 fibre rate cards not publicly indexed; CVTelecom passed 22,000 FTTH homes by end-2021 — verify on alou.cv; Starlink Standard CVE 5,000 / Lite CVE 3,500. FTTH Praia/Mindelo ~40% passed; outer islands satellite/4G. **Starlink licensed Dec 2024** — operational. **Trap**: inter-island connectivity bottleneck — EIB-funded 6 new submarine segments 2025-2026 (relief pending). **Quirk**: mobile data $0.61/GB (cheaper than fibre on $/Mbps); Starlink filling outer-island gap. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (rate-card opacity).
- **NA**: Checker **none — no consumer address-checker surfaced this pass**; the **telecom regulator was not pulled to a primary source this pass — verify the regulator + coverage at [gov.na](https://www.gov.na/) + carrier direct**. ISPs: a fixed/mobile broadband market exists but **specific dominant ISPs + FTTH product lines were not researched this pass** — do NOT assert a carrier list (`data not publicly available — verify at the carrier + the national communications regulator`). **Tariffs: not researched this pass — do NOT quote a figure.** FTTH urban coverage + rural fallback **not primary-verified this pass**; Namibia is among the most sparsely populated countries on earth, so an urban/rural broadband gap is structurally likely — verify per erf. **Starlink: not assessed this pass — no national-regulator determination pulled; verify at [gov.na](https://www.gov.na/) + the [Starlink coverage map](https://www.starlink.com/map)** (not added to the Starlink registry below — status unknown, not fabricated). **Trap**: sectional title (Sectional Titles Act 2 of 2009) → body-corporate approval for a new fibre riser, as in ZA; gated/coastal estates (Swakopmund, Walvis Bay) may carry anchor-ISP arrangements — verify before signing. **Quirk**: Namibia is a **net electricity importer** (Southern African Power Pool) and a regional-grid-stress + drought market — a **standby generator / inverter + battery (or rooftop PV, given world-class solar irradiation)** is the sensible resilience layer for any always-on / work-from-home connection (per `--mains`); broadband itself not documented as the constraint here. **Confidence**: LOW (connectivity not researched this pass — structural facts only; telecom regulator + ISP / tariff / FTTH / Starlink data not pulled).
- **BW**: Checker **none — no consumer address-checker surfaced this pass; verify coverage with the regulator [BOCRA](https://www.bocra.org.bw/) + carrier direct**. ISPs: **Mascom · Orange Botswana · BTC (beMOBILE)** are the mobile/broadband providers; **[BOCRA](https://www.bocra.org.bw/)** (Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority) is the regulator (per [bw playbook](../countries/bw/playbook.md)). **Tariffs + dated broadband-speed / coverage figures: `data not publicly available in this pass — verify at` [BOCRA](https://www.bocra.org.bw/)** — do NOT quote a figure. FTTH urban coverage + rural fallback **not primary-verified this pass**; verify per plot. **Starlink: not assessed this pass — no national-regulator determination pulled; verify at [BOCRA](https://www.bocra.org.bw/) + the [Starlink coverage map](https://www.starlink.com/map)** (not added to the Starlink registry below — status unknown, not fabricated). **Trap**: condominium / sectional-style developments may need body-corporate approval for a new fibre riser; verify scheme rules before signing. **Quirk**: connectivity was flagged an **open gap** at research time — treat any third-party "Botswana broadband" tariff/coverage claim as unverified until confirmed at BOCRA / the named carrier. **Confidence**: LOW (carriers + regulator named; no tariff / FTTH / Starlink data this pass).

#### Asia (17)

- **SG**: Checker [NetLink Trust — NBN address coverage check](https://rollout.netlinktrust.com) (NetLink Trust owns and operates the passive fibre layer of the Nationwide Broadband Network; Singapore is fully fibered via NextGen NBN — 2026-09-18 verified). ISPs: Singtel / StarHub / M1 / MyRepublic (StarHub-owned, ~98% combined share). Tariffs (May 2026): 1 Gbps SGD 35-45 (~USD 26-34); 2 Gbps SGD 50-60; 10 Gbps SGD 80-110; promo bundles common; install free; **24mo contract typical**. FTTH 100% fibered (NetLink wholesale); IMDA 10 Gbps symmetric nationwide rollout 2024-2026. **Starlink licensed** — operational. **Trap**: HDB flats use shared TP riser — install very fast; private condos may have multiple-developer agreements; landed bungalows need NetLink truck-roll. **Quirk**: wholesale-retail split (NetLink Trust passive layer + multiple ISP brands) — **gigabit cheap globally**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **HK**: Checker [OFCA](https://www.ofca.gov.hk/) ([speedtest.ofca.gov.hk](https://speedtest.ofca.gov.hk/) — note: SpeedTest service ceasing Apr 2026); carrier coverage on [hkbn.net](https://www.hkbn.net/) + [hkt.com](https://www.hkt.com/). ISPs: HKBN / HKT (Netvigator/PCCW) / China Mobile HK / SmarTone / Hutchison. Tariffs (May 2026): 1 Gbps from HKD 178 (HKBN); 2.5 Gbps HKD 168-238; **10 Gbps mainstream**; HKT Netvigator 1 Gbps ~HKD 298. FTTH ~95% urban; village houses (Sai Kung NT) need overhead drop. **Starlink available** via SpaceX coverage map; OFCA position permissive. **Trap**: pre-2000 walk-up tongs may have copper risers; 1990s tower blocks usually pre-fibered. **Quirk**: **1 Gbps is *legacy entry*; mainstream is 2.5-10 Gbps**; OFCA SpeedTest sunsetting Apr 2026. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MO**: Checker [DSEDT](https://www.dsedt.gov.mo/) / [CTM coverage](https://www.ctm.net/). ISPs: CTM (incumbent, near-monopoly fixed) / MTel (limited). Tariffs (May 2026): CTM individual-customer **10% discount on fibre x4 throughout 2026** (regulator-mandated reduction); 10 Gbps F5G plans available — verify [ctm.net](https://www.ctm.net/). FTTH ~99% urban (Macao is small, dense). **Starlink: not on SpaceX map** — mainland China policy applies in spirit. **Trap**: tower-block ISP locked by building manager; switching CTM-only effectively. **Quirk**: CTM near-monopoly + regulated price reductions. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **TW**: Checker [NCC](https://www.ncc.gov.tw/) / [Chunghwa coverage](https://www.cht.com.tw/). ISPs: Chunghwa Telecom HiNet (~55% fixed share) / Taiwan Mobile / Far EasTone (FET). Tariffs (May 2026): 1 Gbps from ~NT$1,099-1,499 (~USD 35-48); 2 Gbps NT$2,500+; verify [cht.com.tw](https://www.cht.com.tw/) rate cards. FTTH Taipei/New Taipei/Kaohsiung ~95%; rural 4G/5G fallback. **Starlink licensed 2024** — operational (NCC approval). **Trap**: older walk-ups (5-storey, 1980s) need overhead retrofit; new condos pre-fibered. **Quirk**: HiNet wholesale dominance — TWM/FET often resell HiNet last-mile. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **KR**: Checker [KCC / MSIT](https://www.msit.go.kr/) — carrier sites. ISPs: KT (GiGA Internet) / SK Broadband / LG U+. Tariffs (May 2026): [KT GiGA 1 Gbps from KRW 38,500](https://globalshop.kt.com/internet/internetGigaWi.do) (~USD 28); SK 500M KRW 33,000; LG U+ similar; 1 Gbps range KRW 34,650-72,600 by bundle/contract; bundle discounts KRW 5-10k off with mobile. FTTH ~99% (world-leading); apartment blocks (아파트) all fibered. **Starlink: pending** — KCC approval reportedly progressing 2025/2026; verify. **Trap**: 아파트 단지 (apartment complexes) usually have 1-2 ISPs pre-wired; villa/오피스텔 simpler. **Quirk**: **among world's cheapest gigabit** — KRW 38.5k = USD 28/mo. **Confidence**: HIGH (FTTH) / MEDIUM (Starlink uncertain).
- **JP**: Checker [MIC](https://www.soumu.go.jp/) / [NTT Flets coverage](https://flets.com/). ISPs: NTT East / NTT West (FLET'S Hikari wholesale) → retail via 600+ "ISP" resellers (Asahi Net, OCN, BIGLOBE, etc.); KDDI au Hikari + Softbank Hikari (NURO) compete. Tariffs (May 2026): [NURO 2/10 Gbps JPY 2,980 (apt) / 3,980 (house)](https://hothardware.com/news/japanese-10-gbps-internet); SoftBank Hikari from JPY 4,180; au Hikari JPY 3,740-5,610; FLET'S 10 Gbps + Asahi Net retail; **NEW: NTT 25 Gbps Tokyo from Mar 2026**. FTTH ~98% urban; Tokyo 23 wards near 100%; rural mountain villages slower. **Starlink licensed 2022** — operational. **Trap**: マンション (mansion) blocks have shared VDSL or FTTB riser — apt-class plans cheaper than 戸建 (house-class); new 高級 (luxury) condos pre-wired Hikari. **Quirk**: **NTT FLET'S retailer-resale model** (FLET'S wholesale + 600+ ISP brands resell with markup) is **unique globally**; 10 Gbps for ~$55/mo. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **CN**: Checker [MIIT](https://www.miit.gov.cn/) (no consumer address tool — ChinaTelecom/Unicom/Mobile sites). ISPs: China Telecom / China Unicom / China Mobile (state-owned trio). Tariffs (May 2026): Unicom 200M RMB 1,480/yr (~RMB 123/mo) / 500M RMB 1,980/yr; Telecom 50M RMB 880/yr; 100M RMB 980/yr; gigabit FTTH urban ~RMB 200-400/mo; **IPLC dedicated international line (CTC IPLC / Unicom CN2 GIA / IEPL): RMB 8,000-25,000+/month for 2-10 Mbps** — pricing varies, request quote ([chinatelecomglobal.com](https://www.chinatelecomglobal.com/) / [eu.chinaunicomglobal.com](https://eu.chinaunicomglobal.com/)). FTTH ~95% urban gigabit FTTH; rural 4G/5G. **Starlink: ❌ BANNED** — Starlink not on SpaceX China map; satellite filings require MIIT approval (none granted to SpaceX). **Trap**: 小区 gated communities often have ISP-monopoly per developer (one of telco trio); 别墅 (villa) easier switch. **Quirk**: **GFW + Great Cannon** — foreign property buyers near-mandatorily pay for **dedicated international line (IPLC/IEPL/CN2 GIA) RMB 8k-25k+/month** for stable cross-border access; consumer VPNs unstable + technically illegal; **pure consumer fibre + free VPN ≠ workable for foreigners**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **IN**: Checker [TRAI myspeed](https://myspeed.trai.gov.in/) (speed/QoS — no fibre availability map; carrier portals). ISPs: Reliance Jio Fiber / Airtel Xstream Fiber / ACT Fibernet / BSNL Bharat Fiber / Tata Play Fiber / Excitel. Tariffs (May 2026, INR): Jio 1G INR 8,499-8,999 (15 OTT bundle); Airtel Infinity 1G INR 3,999; BSNL 1G INR 16,999; entry tiers Jio INR 399, Airtel INR 499; **Jio AirFiber + Airtel Xstream AirFiber 5G FWA growing**. FTTH Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru/Hyderabad metros ~50-60% middle-class; tier-2 cities expanding; rural 4G/5G. **Starlink: PENDING** — DOT GMPCS licence in process late-2025/2026; Jio/Airtel lobbying for spectrum auction not admin allocation (BusinessToday Oct 2024); May 2026 status: not yet commercially launched. **Trap**: **society/RWA AGM approval** required for any FTTH install — often single anchor ISP in towers (Lodha = JioFiber, Hiranandani = ACT); independent house easier. **Quirk**: fibre data unmetered + cheap; mobile data has FUP (still cheap but capped); power-cut backup essential — most ONTs have 4-6 hr UPS. **Confidence**: HIGH (FTTH) / MEDIUM (Starlink uncertain).
- **PK**: Checker **none — no consumer address-checker surfaced this pass; verify coverage with the regulator [PTA](https://www.pta.gov.pk/) + carrier direct**. ISPs: a fixed-fibre + mobile-broadband market exists but **specific dominant ISPs + FTTH product lines were not researched this pass** — verify at [PTA](https://www.pta.gov.pk/) (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority). **Tariffs: not researched this pass — do NOT quote a figure; verify at the carrier + PTA.** FTTH urban coverage: **mobile broadband (4G) is widespread in cities; fixed fibre is concentrated in upscale schemes** (DHA / Bahria Town / Gulberg, etc.) — assess connectivity **at the SCHEME level, not city-wide** (per [pk playbook](../countries/pk/playbook.md)); rural fallback not primary-verified this pass. **Starlink: not assessed this pass — no national-regulator determination pulled; verify at [PTA](https://www.pta.gov.pk/) + the [Starlink coverage map](https://www.starlink.com/map)** (not added to the Starlink registry below — status unknown, not fabricated). **Trap**: in upscale schemes a single anchor ISP may serve the development; verify the scheme's ISP arrangement before signing. **Quirk**: **periodic internet throttling / shutdowns during security events is a known, documented risk** — for remote-work-dependent buyers this is the binding connectivity caveat (a redundant mobile-data + fixed-line stack is prudent); verify current status with the PTA. **Confidence**: LOW (regulator + scheme-level reality + shutdown risk documented; no ISP / tariff / FTTH / Starlink data this pass).
- **TH**: Checker [NBTC](https://www.nbtc.go.th/) (limited consumer tool — carrier portals [ais.th](https://www.ais.th/), [fiber.3bb.co.th](https://fiber.3bb.co.th/), [true.co.th](https://www.true.co.th/)). ISPs: AIS Fibre + 3BB (**merged 2024 — AIS 3BB FIBRE3**) / TrueOnline / NT (National Telecom, ex-CAT/TOT). Tariffs (May 2026): 1 Gbps THB 599-899 (~USD 17-25); AIS 3BB Net Standard Gang THB 799 (1G/500M + WiFi6 + entertainment bundle); range THB 590-1,200 across 100M-1G. FTTH BKK / Chiang Mai / Phuket / Pattaya ~80%; rural 4G/5G. **Starlink: PENDING/SOFT-LAUNCH** — NBTC frequency licence issued in stages 2024-2025; verify (Thailand Apostille deposited 30 Jun 2026, in force 28 Feb 2027). **Trap**: condo juristic person (HOA equivalent) often single-ISP exclusive deal; villas in Phuket/Hua Hin easier. **Quirk**: **among cheapest gigabit globally (~$20/mo)**; Phuket has abundant ISP competition. **Confidence**: HIGH (FTTH) / MEDIUM (Starlink uncertain).
- **VN**: Checker [MOST (ex-MIC)](https://mst.gov.vn/) (MIC merged into the Ministry of Science and Technology 1 Mar 2025, Decree 55; no consumer address tool — carrier sites). ISPs: Viettel / FPT Telecom / VNPT (state troika). Tariffs (May 2026): 300M VND 195,000 (Viettel + FPT), VND 190,000 (VNPT) — post Mar-2026 price hike; HCMC/Hanoi VND 235,000-255,000 entry (urban premium); VNPT 250M VND 443,000; Viettel 250M VND 480,000; install fee VND 300,000. FTTH HCMC/Hanoi/Da Nang ~85%; rural variable. **Starlink: LICENSED Feb 2026** — MOST Authority of Telecommunications licensed Starlink Services Vietnam (fixed + mobile LEO satellite telecom with network infrastructure); Radio Frequency Dept approved spectrum; up to 600,000 user terminals + 4 gateway stations under a 5-year pilot (PM Decision 659/QD-TTg, 26 Mar 2025, to Jan 2031); commercial launch date TBA (expected mid-2026). **Trap**: apartment/condo (chung cư) usually 2-3 anchor ISPs per project; alley-house (nhà hẻm) needs aerial drop through neighbours. **Quirk**: submarine-cable cuts cause weekly slowdowns to international destinations; locals often pay for "international package" upgrade at FPT/Viettel. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **ID**: Checker [Komdigi — Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital (ex-Kominfo)](https://www.komdigi.go.id/) (no consumer tool — carrier portals; ministry renamed by Perpres 174/2024, LN 2024 no. 370 — 2026-09-18 verified). ISPs: IndiHome (Telkomsel since 2024 merger) / Biznet / First Media (XL-acquired 2024) / MyRepublic / CBN / Iconnet (PLN). Tariffs (May 2026): Biznet 60M IDR 175,000 / 200M IDR 375,000 / 325M IDR 575,000 / 400M IDR 700,000; IndiHome 50M IDR 230,000 / 150M IDR 325,000; MyRepublic 30-50M IDR 260,000; **Starlink Residential IDR 750,000/mo + IDR 7.8M kit**. FTTH Jakarta/Surabaya/Bandung/Bali ~60% middle-class; outer islands Starlink/4G. **Starlink licensed 2024** — operational; **Bali heavy-use**. **Trap**: Bali villa estates (Canggu, Ubud) often single-ISP; **kompleks** (gated) usually anchor IndiHome or Biznet. **Quirk**: First Media (cable) bought by XL Axiata 2024 — consolidation ongoing; Bali expat market drives premium fibre. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MY**: Checker [MCMC](https://jendela.my/) — Jendela coverage map; carrier portals [unifi.com.my](https://www.unifi.com.my/), [time.com.my](https://www.time.com.my/), [maxis.com.my](https://www.maxis.com.my/). ISPs: Unifi (TM, incumbent) / Maxis Fibre / TIME dotCom / CelcomDigi (now merged) / YTL Yes 5G (FWA). Tariffs (May 2026): TIME 1 Gbps RM199 (~USD 42); Unifi 1 Gbps similar; CelcomDigi unlimited fibre from RM129; Maxis promo 1G with iPad/TV bundles (Mar-Apr 2026 Raya Converge Deals); Starlink RM220 (vs fibre RM129 for 100M). FTTH ~3.32M of 4.19M premises fiberized by early 2024 (MCMC Jendela) ≈ 79%; KL/Penang/JB ~95% middle-class. **Starlink licensed 2024** — operational. **Trap**: Maxis/Unifi often share TM HSBB physical fibre ("same cable, different brand"); strata/condo MA approval required for non-default ISP. **Quirk**: **TIME dotCom is the value gigabit play (RM199 = USD 42)**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **PH**: Checker [NTC](https://www.ntc.gov.ph/) (no consumer tool — carrier portals). ISPs: PLDT Home Fibr / Globe At Home / Converge ICT (fastest) / DITO / Sky Cable. Tariffs (May 2026): PLDT 1 Gbps PHP 9,499; **Converge Super FiberX 1 Gbps under PHP 2,600 (~USD 46) — best value**; Globe similar to PLDT; Starlink Residential PHP 3,800 + PHP 28,000 (Standard Kit) / PHP 33,500 (Mini). FTTH NCR/Cebu/Davao ~60% middle-class; islands variable; median DL Converge 56 Mbps (Opensignal Sep 2025). **Starlink licensed 2023** — operational; Converge-Starlink reseller partnership 2024. **Trap**: condo/subdivision HOA often single-ISP exclusive (PLDT or Globe); house easier. **Quirk**: Converge wholesale-retail fibre is fastest by Opensignal; PLDT premium-priced; copper-to-fibre still in progress in older Manila districts. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **LK**: Checker [TRCSL](https://www.trc.gov.lk/) (no consumer tool — SLT Mobitel / Dialog portals). ISPs: SLT Mobitel (incumbent) / Dialog Axiata / Lanka Bell / Airtel. Tariffs (May 2026): [SLT Family 100M LKR 7,900 (1,000 GB FUP) / Boost 300M LKR 14,900 (2,000 GB) / Blast 600M LKR 24,900 (4,000 GB) / Turbo 1G LKR 39,900 (5,000 GB)](https://www.slt.lk/en/personal/broadband/ftth/new-connection-charges) — **note ALL plans are FUP-capped not unlimited**; Dialog HBB capped tiers LKR 1,346-10,238/30 days at 300M. FTTH Colombo/Kandy/Galle ~50%; rural 4G/HBB. **Starlink: pending** — TRCSL approval in process; verify Starlink map. **Trap**: Colombo apartments typically pre-wired SLT; estate-style developments may have anchor ISP. **Quirk**: **all "fibre" plans have FUP (1k-5k GB caps) — no truly unlimited**; currency/import costs make Starlink expensive option. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **KH**: Checker [TRC](https://www.trc.gov.kh/) (no consumer tool — carrier sites). ISPs: Ezecom (FTTH leader, **symmetric**) / Cellcard Home / Smart Axiata / SINET / Wicam / Online (OCC). Tariffs (May 2026): Ezecom from USD 79 (symmetric fibre); Cellcard home expanding; Starlink ~USD 200/mo + USD 420 hardware (or KHR 250,000/mo per recent listing — verify). FTTH Phnom Penh ~70% urban middle-class; Siem Reap ~50%; rural 4G/Starlink. **Starlink licensed 2024** — operational. **Trap**: Phnom Penh boreys (gated community) often single-ISP; villa/single-house easier; Siem Reap older buildings need aerial drop. **Quirk**: **Ezecom's symmetric upload at the price-point is rare for SE Asia** (matches KR-style speeds at higher absolute USD). **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **MV**: Checker [CAM](https://www.cam.gov.mv/) (no consumer tool — Dhiraagu / Ooredoo Maldives portals). ISPs: Dhiraagu / Ooredoo Maldives / Focus Infocom / **Starlink (4th ISP since Aug 2023)**. Tariffs (May 2026): Dhiraagu/Ooredoo 60M unlimited MVR 1,200-1,300 (~USD 78-84); Starlink ~USD 99/mo + USD 499 kit. FTTH Malé / Hulhumalé / resort islands ~95%; outer atolls Starlink / submarine spurs. **Starlink licensed Aug 2023** — operational as 4th ISP ([CAM ISP-licence register](https://www.cam.gov.mv/splicence.htm) lists Starlink Services Maldives under Internet Service Provider Licence; register last updated 16 Oct 2024); **common on outer-atoll resorts and liveaboards**. **Trap**: resort islands often single-ISP per resort; outer-island guesthouses default to Starlink. **Quirk**: **Starlink essentially a primary-tier carrier for outer-island property — not just backup**. **Confidence**: HIGH.

#### CIS (5)

- **GE**: Checker [ComCom](https://comcom.ge/) (no granular address tool — Magti/Silknet sites direct). ISPs: Magticom (Magti) / Silknet / Cellfie; local micro-ISPs in Batumi/Kutaisi. Tariffs (May 2026): unlimited fibre GEL 30-40 (~USD 11-15) typical; +GEL 20 for IPTV bundle (200+ channels); Magti 100M ~GEL 35. FTTH Tbilisi/Batumi/Kutaisi ~85%; Svaneti/mountain rural still copper or 4G. **Starlink: pending** — ComCom not yet approved; verify Starlink map. **Trap**: Soviet-era khrushchevka in Tbilisi need overhead drop through stairwell; new condos pre-fibered. **Quirk**: **among Eurasia's cheapest fibre (~USD 12/mo unlimited)**; Magti-Silknet duopoly. **Confidence**: HIGH (tariffs) / MEDIUM (Starlink uncertain).
- **AM**: Checker [PSRC](https://www.psrc.am/) (no consumer tool — carrier sites [ucom.am](https://www.ucom.am/), [beeline.am](https://www.beeline.am/), [ovio.am (GNC-Alfa)](https://www.ovio.am/)). ISPs: Ucom (fixed leader since 2009) / Team Telecom (Beeline-branded, ex-Beeline Armenia / Telecom Armenia OJSC) / GNC-Alfa (**OVIO** brand; previously Rostelecom-branded) / Viva Armenia (Viva-MTS). Tariffs (May 2026): specific 2026 fibre rate cards limited in public sources; mobile data AMD 3,000-9,000/mo bands; fibre ~AMD 6,000-15,000/mo for 100M-1G typical (verify ucom.am). FTTH Yerevan ~90% (one of world's first fully-fibered capitals 2009 per Ucom); regional 70%+ target by end-2026 (gov programme). **Starlink: pending** — verify on Starlink map; not commercially launched as of May 2026. **Trap**: Soviet-era apt blocks need stairwell-drop; Yerevan new builds pre-fibered. **Quirk**: Ucom dominant; 4 active fibre operators is unusual density for population size. **Confidence**: MEDIUM.
- **AZ**: Checker [AKTA](https://mincom.gov.az/en) (limited consumer tool — [aztelekom.az](https://www.aztelekom.az/)). ISPs: Aztelekom (incumbent fixed) / Bakcell (mobile) / Azercell (mobile) / Nar Mobile / Delta Telecom. Tariffs (May 2026): Aztelekom optical install AZN 30 (with discount AZN 50 for ONT modem); monthly 100M ~AZN 25-35; gigabit ~AZN 50+ (verify aztelekom.az). FTTH Baku ~85%; Ganja/Sumqayit ~60%; rural Soviet-era copper or 4G. **Starlink: pending** — not yet licensed by AKTA as of May 2026. **Trap**: Soviet apt blocks + Baku's heritage Old City (İçərişəhər) — heritage-zone permits for cabling. **Quirk**: state-dominated market (Aztelekom incumbent); VoIP/Skype historically restricted. **Confidence**: MEDIUM.
- **KZ**: Checker [MDDIAI](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mdai) (limited consumer tool — carrier sites [kazakhtelecom.kz](https://www.kazakhtelecom.kz/)). ISPs: Kazakhtelecom (~26% traffic share) / Beeline KZ (~20%) / Tele2 KZ (~19%) / Kcell (~9%) / Transtelecom. Tariffs (May 2026): entry KZT 3,000; 20 GB mobile-data tier KZT 2,590; gigabit fibre Almaty/Astana ~KZT 6,000-12,000 (verify kazakhtelecom.kz); new "fibre-optic hyperhighway" trunk by 2026 (gov-firm partnership Feb 2025). FTTH Almaty/Astana/Shymkent ~80%; rural variable; **school-Starlink rollout 2024**. **Starlink licensed 2024** — operational; **Beeline-Starlink Direct-to-Cell partnership announced for 2026 launch** ([VEON press](https://www.veon.com/newsroom/press-releases/veons-beeline-kazakhstan-partners-with-starlink-direct-to-cell-to-launch-satellite-connectivity-to-kazakhstan-with-support-from-kazakhstan-ministry-of-artificial-intelligence-and-digital-development)); 500 terminals delivered to rural schools 2024. **Trap**: Soviet-era apt blocks (5-9 storey panel) need stairwell drop; new highrises in Astana pre-fibered. **Quirk**: **Direct-to-Cell satellite-mobile (Beeline + Starlink) rolling out 2026 — first in CIS**. **Confidence**: HIGH.
- **UZ**: Checker [MICTD](https://mitc.uz/) (limited consumer tool — [uztelecom.uz](https://uztelecom.uz/)). ISPs: Uztelecom (state, incumbent) / Beeline UZ (Veon) / Ucell (state) / UMS (private); Uztelecom dominant fixed. Tariffs (May 2026): specific retail 2026 rate cards not consistently published; wholesale gateway UZS 30,000/Mbps historic; estimated retail unlimited fibre Tashkent UZS 100,000-250,000/mo (~USD 8-20) — verify uztelecom.uz. FTTH Tashkent ~70%; regional cities (Samarkand, Bukhara) ~40%; rural variable. **Starlink: recently licensed — verify**; UZ permits being issued for satellite ISPs late-2024/2025. **Trap**: Soviet-era apartments need stairwell drop; mahalla single-house has aerial-drop. **Quirk**: Uztelecom state-monopoly on international gateway → consumer VPN performance variable. **Confidence**: MEDIUM (rate-card opacity).

---

## Starlink licence calendar-actionable registry

This table is the source of truth for the `--connectivity` Starlink-status field. **Verify against [Starlink coverage map](https://www.starlink.com/map) + national regulator before any time-critical decision** — status moves fast.

| Country | Status | Key date / source |
|---|---|---|
| US | ✅ Licensed | Nov 2020 (FCC IBFS SAT-MOD-20200417) |
| CA | ✅ Licensed | Nov 2020 (ISED) |
| MX | ✅ Licensed | 28 May 2021 (IFT); CFE rural contract Oct 2023 |
| BR | ✅ Licensed | Jan 2022 (Anatel); 606k subs end-2025 |
| AR | ✅ Licensed | Feb 2024 (ENACOM) |
| CL | ✅ Licensed | Apr 2022 (SUBTEL) |
| CO | ✅ Licensed | **Apr 2024** (MinTIC/CRC) |
| PE | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (MTC) |
| EC | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (ARCOTEL) |
| UY | ✅ Licensed | 2023 (URSEC) |
| PA | ✅ Licensed | 2023 (ASEP) |
| CR | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (SUTEL) |
| DO | ✅ Licensed | Mar 2022 (INDOTEL) — first Caribbean |
| PY | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (CONATEL) |
| BB | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (FTC/Telecom Unit) |
| BS | ✅ Licensed | 2023 (URCA) |
| **KY** | ✅ **Licensed 23 Dec 2025** | OfReg — Cayman's first satellite-service licence (Sept-2025 framework); terminals banned 2024 → emergency-only early-2025 → full retail Dec 2025 |
| **BM** | 🟡 **Pending** | "Starting 2026" on Starlink map; RA 2025 Market Review treats entry as likely; no RA commercial licence confirmed as of May 2026 |
| **TC** | 🟡 **Pending** | Starlink Caribbean LLC applied (TCI Telecom Commission PN 2024-6); Cabinet approval awaited; launch expected 2026 |
| **VG** | 🟡 **Pending** | "Starting 2026" on Starlink map; no confirmed TRC commercial licence as of May 2026 (grey via foreign-registered roaming dishes) |
| **KN** | 🟡 **Pending** | "Starting 2026" on Starlink map; ECTEL NGSO framework being finalised; no confirmed NTRC/ECTEL licence as of May 2026 |
| **AG** | ✅ **Available (Aug 2025) — formal licence pending** | Starlink announced live; service not disrupted (tacit approval); ABST 17% tax-registration dispute outstanding; earlier licence talks snagged on white-labelling |
| **LC** | 🟡 **Pending** | "Starting 2026" on Starlink map; ECTEL/NTRC NGSO framework being finalised; no confirmed licence as of May 2026 |
| **GD** | 🟡 **Pending** | "Starting 2026" on Starlink map; ECTEL/NTRC NGSO framework being finalised; no confirmed licence as of May 2026 |
| **BZ** | 🟡 **Retail-blocked** | PUC denied general consumer licence; rural/emergency only |
| **JM** | ❌ **NOT licensed** | OUR/SMA blocked grey-market sign-ups (no retail authorisation as of 2025) |
| AU | ✅ Licensed | Apr 2021 (ACMA) |
| NZ | ✅ Licensed | Apr 2021 (RSM/MBIE) |
| FR | ✅ Licensed | 18 Feb 2021 → revoked Apr 2022 by Conseil d'État → **re-authorised 2 Jun 2022** (ARCEP) |
| DE | ✅ Licensed | 23 Dec 2020 (BNetzA) |
| UK | ✅ Licensed | gateway 18 Aug 2021 / terminal Nov 2020 (Ofcom) |
| IT | ✅ Licensed | Sept 2021 (AGCOM/MIMIT) |
| ES | ✅ Licensed | ~May 2021 (CNMC — verify) |
| NL, BE, AT, IE, CH, PT, LU, MT, MC, AD, LI, SM | ✅ Licensed | various 2021-2022 (verify regulator press) |
| SE | ✅ Licensed | Oct 2021 (PTS) |
| NO, DK | ✅ Licensed | available |
| FI | ✅ Licensed | Nov 2022 (Traficom) |
| IS | ✅ Licensed | Feb 2023 |
| PL | ✅ Licensed | Sept 2021 (UKE) |
| CZ | ✅ Licensed | Sept 2021 (ČTÚ) |
| SK | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (RU SR) |
| HU | ✅ Licensed | available (NMHH) |
| SI | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (AKOS) |
| HR | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (HAKOM) |
| RO | ✅ Licensed | available (ANCOM) |
| BG | ✅ Licensed | Feb 2022 (CRC) |
| EE | ✅ Licensed | Aug 2022 (TTJA) |
| LT | ✅ Licensed | Dec 2021 (RRT) |
| LV | ✅ Licensed | Apr 2022 (SPRK) |
| MD | ✅ Licensed | Aug 2022 (ANRCETI) |
| MK | ✅ Licensed | Jun 2022 (AEK) |
| AL | ✅ Licensed | service launched **April 2024** |
| ME | ✅ Licensed | 2024-2025 (EKIP) |
| **RS** | 🟡 **Pending** | announced for 2025 launch but no RATEL approval as of May 2026; Kosovo separate registry live since 2024 |
| **BA** | ❌ **NOT licensed** | RAK reports SpaceX never filed application; **BiH cited as only major European country without Starlink** |
| **TR** | ❌ **NOT licensed** | SpaceX applied 2023; not approved as of Jul 2026 (per odatv.com, secondary; no BTK decision found in sources read — verify at btk.gov.tr); "security concerns" cited; Türksat-6A 2024 competing |
| CY | ✅ Licensed | Jul 2023 (OCECPR) |
| GR | ✅ Licensed | available (EETT) |
| **AE** | ✅ **Licensed Mar 2026** | TDRA approval — UAE residential roaming previously grey |
| **JO** | ✅ **Licensed Feb 2026** | Sama X (Alghanim) signed TRC reseller licence |
| **SA** | 🟡 **Pending** | no CST commercial licence as of May 2026 |
| QA | 🟡 Pending | no public CRA approval as of May 2026 |
| KW | 🟡 Pending | not licensed by CITRA as of May 2026 |
| BH | 🟡 Pending | TRA has not granted commercial licence as of May 2026 |
| OM | 🟡 Pending | TRA approval in process; Omantel/SpaceX MoU 2024 |
| **IL** | ❌ **NOT available** | no SpaceX Israel licence (security review) |
| **EG** | 🟡 **Pending** | NTRA approval not yet granted |
| **MA** | 🟡 **Pending** | ANRT has not licensed; equipment imports restricted |
| TN | 🟡 Pending | INT licence unconfirmed |
| **LB** | ❌ **Not on coverage map** | not licensed; not on SpaceX availability map May 2026 |
| **ZA** | 🟠 **Grey-market** | ICASA 30%-BEE-equity blocker; **earliest legal launch est. 2027 or later** (no SpaceX application on file per ICASA as reported 15 Sep 2026, Daily Maverick; ECA amendment required per ICASA 13 May 2026) |
| KE | ✅ Licensed | 2023 (CA); price-war pressure from Savanna Fibre Mar 2026 |
| NG | ✅ Licensed | 2023 (NCC); now #2 by users mid-2026 |
| GH | ✅ Licensed | available; fastest broadband by 2025 (NCA) |
| RW | ✅ Licensed | **Jun 2024** (RURA) |
| MU | ✅ Licensed | 2023 (ICTA) |
| SC | ✅ Licensed | available |
| CV | ✅ Licensed | **Dec 2024** (ARME) |
| SG | ✅ Licensed | available (IMDA) |
| HK | ✅ Licensed | available (OFCA permissive) |
| **MO** | ❌ Not on coverage map | mainland China policy applies in spirit |
| TW | ✅ Licensed | 2024 (NCC) |
| **KR** | 🟡 **Pending** | KCC approval reportedly progressing 2025-2026 |
| JP | ✅ Licensed | 2022 (MIC) |
| **CN** | ❌ **BANNED** | satellite filings require MIIT approval; none granted to SpaceX |
| **IN** | 🟡 **Pending** | DOT GMPCS licence in process late-2025/2026 |
| **TH** | 🟡 **Pending / soft-launch** | NBTC frequency licence issued in stages 2024-2025 |
| VN | ✅ Licensed | Feb 2026 (MOST); fixed + mobile w/ network infra; up to 600k terminals + 4 gateways; PM Decision 659/QD-TTg 5-yr pilot to Jan 2031; commercial launch TBA |
| ID | ✅ Licensed | 2024; Bali heavy-use |
| MY | ✅ Licensed | 2024 |
| PH | ✅ Licensed | 2023; Converge-Starlink reseller partnership 2024 |
| **LK** | 🟡 **Pending** | TRCSL approval in process |
| KH | ✅ Licensed | 2024 |
| MV | ✅ Licensed | **Aug 2023** — operational as 4th ISP |
| **GE** | 🟡 **Pending** | ComCom not yet approved |
| **AM** | 🟡 **Pending** | not commercially launched as of May 2026 |
| **AZ** | 🟡 **Pending** | not yet licensed by AKTA as of May 2026 |
| KZ | ✅ Licensed | 2024; **Beeline Direct-to-Cell partnership 2026 launch** |
| **UZ** | ✅ Recently licensed | verify; permits issued late-2024/2025 |

**Calendar-actionable triggers** (re-stamp `shared/connectivity.md` on these dates):

- **2026-04-01**: TR 5G launched ✅ (BTK; state ceremony 31 Mar, all 81 provincial centres, all 3 operators)
- **2026-09-11**: VN Hague Apostille in force ✅ (HCCH status table verified 2026-09-17; Starlink telecom licence already GRANTED Feb 2026 per PM Decision 659/QD-TTg pilot — remaining open item is the commercial launch date, expected mid-2026)
- **2027-02-28**: TH Hague Apostille in force (accession deposited 30 Jun 2026, HCCH status table)
- **End-2026**: IS 100% rural FTTH target
- **2027+**: ZA Starlink legal launch est. window if an ECA amendment or BEE-equity workaround lands (no SpaceX application on file as reported 15 Sep 2026)
- **Quarterly**: re-verify SA / MA / EG / IN / KR / IL / RU-banned-status / CN-banned-status

---

## Status

**Confidence**: MEDIUM-HIGH (35 countries with primary-source-verified tariff + checker; 30 with primary-source FTTH coverage statistic; remaining 38 with carrier-page-verified tariff but limited regulator-statistic backing — particularly Asia mid-tier (LK/KH/UZ/AM/AZ), MENA Gulf (BH/KW), microstate/small-island (MC/AD/SM/CV/MU/SC/MV)).

**Last verified**: 2026-05-08 (VN / TH Hague Apostille trigger rows re-verified 2026-09-17; TN Tunisie Telecom fibre tariff and the SG / PL / RO / ID / MC / CV / AM checker labels corrected 2026-09-18 per tunisietelecom.tn + netlinktrust.com + internet.gov.pl + aisemnal.ro + komdigi.go.id + monservicepublic.gouv.mc + alou.cv + ovio.am)

**Sources**: each country one-liner cites its primary checker URL + carrier price-page URL where retrievable; FTTH coverage from regulator (Ofcom UK, BNetzA DE, ARCEP FR, FTTH Council Europe Panorama 2024-2026, BTK TR, MCMC MY, Anatel BR, FCC US, nbn AU, CRTC CA, CIP NZ, OCECPR CY, EETT GR, ICASA ZA, IMDA SG, INDOTEL DO); Starlink registry from Starlink coverage map + national regulator press releases.

**Cross-references**: 
- `shared/digital-nomad.md` for national Speedtest tier + DNV cross-check
- `shared/mains-reliability.md` for utility-side concerns at the same address
- `countries/<iso2>/playbook.md` for property-specific quirks