Internet access and mobile phone coverage on Socotra are limited. While there have been some improvements in internet connectivity thanks to Starlink, however, it still needs to be closer to what you might expect in other parts of the world.
Mobile Coverage
If you want to stay connected while travelling to Socotra, buy an Etisalat SIM card from the UAE. The company has extended its mobile coverage to Socotra, so your SIM card will typically work without needing to purchase the roaming add-on. Make sure you buy the physical SIM card; the eSim currently does not work in Socotra. See the mobile coverage map below.
The Etisalat internet speed could be better in some areas and very good in other areas. That is due to the large number of users in each area, which causes a heavy load on their mobile towers. Trying to finish some work remotely while exploring Socotra will not be a great idea.
Internet Availability
As mentioned above, thanks to Starlink, we can offer mobile internet at a decent speed (available on request) on our tours; this will allow you to access the internet from anywhere in Socotra via Starlink’s settled internet service.
While one advantage of travelling to Socotra is being isolated and disconnected from the outside world, most of our partner hotels also offer internet service, so you won’t be totally discounted.