Mongolia - Telecommunications/ElectricityMongolia - Telecommunications
Mongolia has an evolving telecommunications system. In the capital of Ulaanbaatar, the Internet is available and reliable. Mongolia has reliable satellite, Wi-Fi, and fiber-optic linkages to the World Wide Web; however, the last mile of connection for some publicly accessible systems, especially in rural Mongolia, remains through landlines and dial-up modems. Consequently, downloads to these sites may be slow and interrupted. Mongolia has numerous ISPs and Internet cafes offering a full range of services.
Most hotels offer access to the Internet. A growing number of hotels offer in-room connectivity and Wi-Fi. We advise travelers to contact their hotel in advance of travel regarding this issue.
Wireless services have become common at private venues, including restaurants. Usually, these private venues offer the service to customers at no charge.
In the countryside computing remains a challenge. Most provincial capitals have several Internet cafes but some linkages are by landline to Ulaanbaatar, which are subject to regular disruption. Firms requiring e-services in the field may have to make provision for some sort of satellite infrastructure.
Regarding phone service, Mongolia has followed a fairly regular pattern for Asia. Rather than upgrading its landline system, Mongolia has developed wireless systems. Ulaanbaatar and most of its surrounding municipalities are linked by four existing private cellular service providers:
These firms offer sales and service for handsets and other related products. Cellular service in the countryside is available in all provincial capitals and in most county centers. Satellite phone service is also available through Mobicom.
Regular and reliable electricity is available throughout most of Mongolia; however, occasional power outages and brownouts do occur. Mongolia uses 220 volts and Europlugs or Schuko plugs.