Best Brunei Mobile Operators – All You Need to Know

Wondering how to choose the right Brunei mobile operators? It depends on several factors like network coverage, data speeds, pricing, etc.

This article provides a detailed overview of all the operators to select the best one for your needs and answers some frequently asked questions.

I. List of Brunei Mobile Operators

1. Main Mobile Operators in Brunei

Brunei has three major mobile network operators:

Progresif

• Progresif is Brunei’s newest mobile operator launched in 2014
• Uses own 4G LTE network infrastructure
• Fastest growing operator with over 300,000 subscribers
• Offers widest 5G network coverage in Brunei
• Competitive pricing and products

DST

• DST has a State-owned incumbent operator
• Launched the first mobile network in Brunei in 1990
• Over 500,000 mobile subscribers
• Provides 2G, 3G, 4G networks
• Recently launched limited 5G connectivity

Imagine

• Imagine is the second mobile operator launched in 2008
• Owned by Philippines-based telco
• Uses own 4G LTE infrastructure
• Over 200,000 subscribers in Brunei
• Limited network coverage compared to Progresif and DST

2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Brunei

Some resellers or MVNOs provide mobile services in Brunei by renting infrastructure from the main network operators above: 

• BIBD NEXGEN – Mobile service from leading local bank BIBD, runs on Progresif network
• Vava – Data-focused mobile services, leverage imagine a network

So in summary, Progresif and DST are the market leaders in Brunei in terms of subscribers and network coverage while Imagine and MVNOs serve niche customer segments.

II. How to Choose the Best Brunei Mobile Operators

When choosing Brunei mobile operators, let’s consider some criteria:

• Network coverage – Choose an operator with reliable coverage throughout the country, especially in major cities and tourist areas you plan to visit.
• Data allowance and speeds – Consider data pack options and the speed of connectivity offered for activities like streaming, social media use, and more.
• Calls and messaging – Check call rates and include minutes/texts within the network and to other countries you may need.
• Handset selection – Some operators have exclusive deals on the latest phones or provide older models for travelers.
• Cost and plans – Compare entry SIM costs, validity periods, and regularity of data pack recharges suitable for your usage.
• International roaming – If intending to use the number when traveling abroad later, check partner networks overseas.

When visiting Brunei, consider getting a SIM pack at the airport on arrival for easy plug-and-play access during your stay in the country. Choosing the most suitable operator will help you explore Brunei with worry-free connectivity.

III. Best Mobile Operators in Brunei – Detailed Comparison

Let’s compare the major mobile operators in Brunei across different parameters:

Progresif is rated as 1 mobile operator in Brunei for customer service. Both DST and Imagine grappling with challenges around responding efficiently to subscriber requirements while trying to make positive changes.

In summary, Progresif emerges as the best mobile operator in terms of 4G & 5G coverage, data speeds, and customer service for retail consumers among the major Brunei providers. DST also offers fairly good overall connectivity while Imagine is currently placed third but trying to catch up.

IV. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Brunei Mobile Operators?

Here is a quick lowdown on where and how to easily purchase SIM cards from the Brunei mobile operators:

1. Progresif

• Can buy prepaid and postpaid SIM cards at Progresif stores across Brunei
• Also available online on their website with home delivery option
• Physical stores provide the best experience for new activations and service bundling

2. DST

• Prepaid and Postpaid SIM cards sold at DST branches in Brunei
• Online purchases unavailable as of now though on roadmaps
• Visit the nearest DST shop with ID proof for a new connection

3. Imagine

• Imagine SIM cards stocked across main imagine outlets\n* Online purchasing process not live yet similar to DST
• Executing activations from physical stores currently

All three mobile operators have several retail shops or dealerships to buy SIM cards from in different parts of Brunei. While online purchase options remain limited as of now, their stores facilitate smooth new activations following verification processes. Tourists can check out special plans for short-term use as well.

V. Do Mobile Operators in Brunei Offer eSIM?

eSIM or embedded SIMs are slowly becoming a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards with increasing global uptake. But eSIM availability in Brunei is still very minimal with only operators offering solutions:

• esimbrunei.com – A top eSIM provider in Brunei that provides eSIM by SmarTone from DST operators with various data plans from only $11.8
• Progresif was the first operator to offer eSIM capabilities in Brunei in 2021. Customers can purchase eSIM data packages directly from Progresif’s website and activate them on supported iOS and Android devices without a physical SIM. 
• DST – In late 2022, DST launched eSIM support for their prepaid BAS mobile plans. Similar to Progresif, DST eSIM packages can be bought online and activated remotely on eSIM-compatible smartphones.
• Imagine: So far, Imagine has not officially announced support for eSIM activations on their network in Brunei. Their website and documentation do not provide any eSIM purchase or activation process. 

Plan that may interest you

VI. FAQs

VII. Conclusion

Brunei’s telecom industry has rapidly evolved over the past decade with Progresif leading the innovation with the widest 4G LTE and 5G networks offering blazing-fast data connectivity. DST continues to be a strong alternative as the second largest provider while Imagine caters to niche consumer segments only currently. DST also packages a decent overall value proposition while Imagine has some catch-up to do to become a leading player.