Cocos Islands 4G LTE Network

Please scroll to the bottom of this page for the Pre-Application Registration link.

Network aims:

  • Provide a 4G LTE data service for residents and visitors.
  • Provide 4G LTE network coverage for the majority of the main Cocos Islands atoll and lagoon, including ferry routes across the lagoon.

Connection options to the Network.  These include to use either:

  • Cocos 4G SIM card for the local network direct in phone (Residents only)
  • 4G LTE WiFi Router (aka MiFi or Dongle) – small network device that has SIM card inside and provides a WiFi network for your device (phone, iPad, laptop) to connect to.  For Visitors &/or Residents

Compatible Devices

  • Most handsets compatible
  • Handsets need to be Network Unlocked
  • Support Band 28 (frequency)
  • Suggest eSIM compatible phone (see below) for mainland phone number portability

Calling options on the 4G LTE Data Service are:

  • eSIM using Mobile Data – See below
  • Skype – can also have a traditional number to receive phone calls on.  More details and signup for Skype number
  • Chat apps.  These include:
    • Messenger, Whatsapp, Telegram, Signal, Viber, WeChat etc.  Note that these Apps may need to be preregistered on your phone via your mainland mobile number.
  • The network will NOT have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) capability or SMS.  This means your standard phone dialer will not work and there will be no 04 numbers available.
    VoLTE may be a future possibility, however is not in the initial project scope.
  • WiFi calling – available if using a MiFi device (see below)
  • Voice over IP – See below

Monthly Pricing for Post-Paid Accounts (Cocos Residents/Small Business):

  • Residential/Small Business 5GB – $25
  • Residential/Small Business 10GB – $45

Monthly Pricing for Post-Paid Accounts (Off-Island Based Corporations):

  • Corporate 5GB – $45
  • Corporate 10GB – $65

Residential/Small Business Plans listed above only for Cocos Islands residents and island based businesses.
Initial Account set up & SIM card cost – $30 residents, $45 Corporate

PrePaid – Visitors can rent a MiFi device and purchase pre-paid data from the Cocos Community Resource Centre (CRC).  Contact CRC via email at info@cocosislandscrc.cc to pre-arrange.


eSIM using Mobile Data

Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all allow you to use an eSIM instead of a physical SIM if you have a compatible device, such as an iPhone XS, Samsung S20 or Pixel 3 or newer. If you opt for an eSIM, this keeps your physical SIM slot free for a Cocos 4G SIM. This essentially turns your phone into a dual SIM phone.  You can get an eSIM for your compatible phone at a Telstra Shop, more info here

Example image below is an iPhone XS with a Telstra eSIM on the Cocos 4G network.  Telstra mobile calls & SMS are possible over the Cocos 4G network.


WiFi Calling (General Info)

Telstra have announced that WiFi SMS is now available.

For info & to check if you have a compatible handset please see Telstra WiFi Calling & SMS

How to Enable SMS Over Wifi On iPhone

  • Upgrade to the latest iOS 13.4 or higher
  • Settings > General > About
  • Your device will have already updated the carrier settings or it will ask you to
  • Restart your device
  • To check it has worked, go to Settings > General > About > Service Provider and the IMS says ‘Voice and SMS

Click Here to Register for a 4G Service