During the last ten years, there have been many changes in mobile telecommunications in Georgia. The Georgian mobile market is increasingly competitive with many key players and the virtual operators. Selecting your mobile operator in Georgia may prove challenging upon arrival or even during visit. A comprehensive guide to the mobile operators in Georgia on the issue of choosing the mobile operator.

GEORGIA Mobile Operator

1. List of Mobile Operators in Georgia

There are two main categories of mobile operators in Georgia:

1.1. Main Mobile Operators in Georgia

The main Georgia mobile operators have the physical infrastructure and spectrum licenses which they use to provide mobile services all over Georgia.

The three major operators are:

  • Cellfie – Cellfie is owned by Veon, a multinational telecommunications company operating in several countries. Cellfie also offers different mobile plans ranging from prepaid to postpaid. More than 98% of the populated areas in Georgia are covered by the company’s network.
Cellfie logo
  • Silknet – Silknet (Geocell) is the biggest by market size in Georgia. The company provides a variety of mobile voice and data services such as 4G LTE. The Silknet’s network covers more than 99% of the populated territory of Georgia.
silknet logo
  • MagtiCom – Currently, MagtiCom is the second-largest mobile operator by market share in Georgia. The company provides several mobile voice and data services, such as 3G and 4G LTE. MagtiCom’s network covers more than 98 percent of the populated area in Georgia.
magti logo

These are the largest three operators who have the widest networks covering all parts of Georgia. They have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE.

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Georgia

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are mobile service providers that do not have their own network infrastructure and instead lease network capacity from a major Georgia mobile operator.

As of November 2023, there are two active MVNOs in Georgia:

  • Hallo – Secondly, hallo is an MVNO that uses Silknet’s network. It has prepaid and postpaid mobile packages, mobile internet services as well as SMS packs.
  • Tele 1 is a virtual operator whose network is Beeline. Mobile prepaid, mobile internet, and SMS.

Comparatively, MVNO’s services and rates are usually cheaper than the main operators’ ones. On the other hand, MVNOs has small coverage within cities and major roads.

2. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operator in Georgia

When selecting a Georgia mobile operator, you need to consider the following factors:

  • Your network coverage – look for coverage maps and figure out which areas will demand the highest signal. Rural coverage varies between operators.
  • Prices – Data inclusiveness, call and text allowances, speeds, bundle discounts. Factor in overage charges too.
  • Extras – Roaming, tether, quality of customer service, online tools and bundled package (if available).
  • Reviews ᅳ The reviews address reliability, customer service and usual problems that give an idea of what should be improved.
  • Word of mouth – Speak with your buddies and family about local information on the best networks and operators.
  • Short prepaid packages – Try for yourself before committing to long-term offers. To name a few are MagtiCom, Silknet and Geocell.

Look at the network coverage, value, and other extras compared to your own needs.

3. Best Mobile Operators in Georgia – Detailed Comparison

Georgia’s telecommunications landscape is dominated by three major Georgia mobile operators: Cellfie (previously Beeline), Silknet (formerly Geocell), and MagtiCom. The many prepaid and postpaid packages are available at each service provider for both the locals as well as the tourists. Here’s a detailed comparison of these three Georgia mobile operators:

Feature MagtiCom Silknet (Geocell) Cellfie (Beeline)
Coverage 99% of populated areas 95% of populated areas 85% of populated areas
Speeds Up to 50 Mbps Up to 30 Mbps Up to 20 Mbps
Price Most expensive Average price Cheapest
Customer service Excellent Good Good

Generally speaking, MagtiCom is the best Georgia mobile operator in Georgia for many users. It has the best coverage, highest speeds, and the most reliable service. On the other hand, if you are operating on a tight budget, Cellfie will be a reasonable choice with the least expensive data costs in the country. Thus, if you need to make a compromise, then Silknet will be a good middle ground option which will give you an acceptable level of coverage, speed, and price.

4. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Georgia Mobile Operators?

There are some options SIM cards from Georgia mobile operators:

  • MagtiCom – You can buy SIM cards online through their website or at MagtiCom shops located in major cities across Georgia. They offer prepaid and postpaid plans.
  • Silknet – SIM cards from Silknet are available for purchasing at Silknet shops and authorized resellers. Look for shops displaying the Silknet logo.
  • Cellfie – You can buy SIM cards from Cellfie stores and partner shops. 
  • Online retailers – If you don’t have time to visit operator stores, you can try online retailers like SimStore.ge. They deliver SIM cards from all major Georgian carriers.
  • Convenient stores – Small shops like Goodwill Georgia may also carry SIM starter packs from the top 3 operators – Geocell, MagtiCom, and Sakartvelo.
  • Airports – Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and regional airports usually have Georgia airport SIM card kiosks or stores inside terminal buildings for visitors.
Magti store at Tbilisi Airport
Magti store at Tbilisi Airport

Checking operator websites or calling customer service for updated locations of physical stores. All major retailers accept cash payments. Make sure to have your passport on hand for registration. Top-up vouchers can also be purchased online or in-store.

5. Do Mobile Operators in Georgia Offer eSIM?

eSIM functionality that allows activating a mobile plan via QR code scan on your phone is slowly rolling out in Georgia:

  • MagtiCom – The first mobile operator in Georgia, MagtiCom was the one to launch the commercial eSIM service in 2021. They provide different prepaid postpaid eSIM data packages.
  • Silknet (Geocell) – In 2023, Silknet (Geocell) introduced its eSIM service. They provide different eSIM data packages that are available either pre or post payment.
  • Cellfie (Beeline) – In 2021, Cellfie (Beeline) commenced the commercialization of its eSIM service. For prepaid customers, they have different eSIM data plans.

A purchase should be made if you’re traveling to Georgia in advance. This will help you save time and trouble, and by the time you land the phone will be operational.

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6. FAQs about Georgia Mobile Operators

Q: Can I use 4G with prepaid SIM cards in Georgia?

A: Yes, prepaid SIMs from all major operators come with 4G/LTE access. You can get high-speed 4G data on prepaid plans.

Q: Do I need to register my SIM card in Georgia?

A: No SIM card registration is required in Georgia currently. You only need to provide passport details when purchasing the SIM.

Q: Can tourists get a long-term SIM card in Georgia?

A: Visitors cannot get SIM cards with long validity of 3-12 months. But you can easily extend shorter validity SIMs by recharging topping up credits.

Q: Which operators have good roaming packages?

A: MagtiCom has the most affordable roaming add-ons for different regions like Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Geocell also has decent Euro roaming packs.

7. Conclusion

Mobile market in Georgia is booming, offering good coverage and affordable services from any location within the territory. MagtiCom is the top Georgia mobile operator in terms of coverage, speed, tariff, and roaming services. Most travelers and foreign residents regard it as the best operator, because of its unbeatable coverage, fast 4G speeds, competitive rates, and good roaming packages. Secondly, Geocell comes immediately after Beeline which is the first option as far as the ultra-low-cost prepaid packs for budget travelers are concerned. Currently, most of the major operators in Georgia provide for prepaid and postpaid touristic plans as well as eSIM options to both visitors and ex-pats.