Slovakia is one of the most competitive mobile markets in Europe. There are four major Slovakia network operators, serving several mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). MVNOs provide both prepaid and postpaid plans. In this article, we will introduce all of the operators in Slovakia and compare them feature by feature to help you choose your best operator based on how much you use it and what features are important to you.

Slovakia mobile operator

1. List of Mobile Operators in Slovakia

There are four major Slovakia mobile operators in Slovakia along with several MVNOs. The main operators are:

1.1. Main Mobile Operators in Slovakia

To stay connected while visiting or living in Slovakia, it’s important to understand the main mobile operators that provide SIM card services.

  • Orange Slovensko – Orange is the biggest mobile operator in Slovakia with over 2 million subscribers. Nationwide, it provides 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G coverage. Orange has excellent high-speed 4G/LTE in cities, and good coverage in rural areas as well.
Orange slovakia store
Orange Slovakia store
  • O2 Slovakia – Around 1.5 million users, O2 Slovakia is second largest operator. It offers 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G services. O2 also offers very good 4G speeds and coverage in rural areas.
O2 Slovakia Store
O2 Store in Slovakia
  • Slovak Telekom (T-Mobile) – is part of Deutsche Telekom and operates under the T-Mobile brand. It now has more than 1 million subscribers. T-Mobile provides 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G network services. In cities it has top-notch 4G coverage, less so in the countryside.
slovak telekom store
Slovak Telekom store
  • 4ka – Despite being the fourth player in the market, 4ka is still relatively small with less than half a million users. 4ka is from 2015 and secured through a partnership with Orange’s network. 4ka offers inexpensive prepaid plans as well as coverage similar to Orange.
4ka store in Slovakia
4ka store in Slovakia

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Slovakia

Some MVNOs in Slovakia are:

These providers rent network access from the major operators to offer their prepaid plans. Which network they use depends on the services and coverage.

2. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operator in Slovakia

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a Slovakia mobile operator in Slovakia:

  • Coverage: See which operators have the widest 4G and 3G coverage in your area and where you normally stay. Orange and O2 are usually the best.
  • Data amounts: All operators now have plans with unlimited data or very high caps. Choose a plan with enough data for your needs.
  • Speeds: Orange and O2 have the fastest average 4G speeds of about 20-40 Mbps. But speeds vary by location.
  • Prices: Prices of prepaid and postpaid plans are varied. Prepaid plans begin at about 5 EUR per month. Postpaid unlimited plans cost 15-25 EUR per month.
  • Perks: Others provide additional enticements like free Spotify, HBO GO, or even extra data and roaming. Consider any added benefits.
  • Customer service: This does vary quite a bit between operators. Read reviews, try customer service response time?

Whether that’s a maximum amount of data the widest coverage or the lowest price tag, you should go with what matters most to you.

3. Best Mobile Operators in Slovakia – Detailed Comparison

So let’s take a closer look at the biggest players in Slovakia and how they stack up against each other. Here is a comparison of the best mobile operators in Slovakia:

Operator Coverage Speed Price Features
Orange Excellent Excellent Competitive Wide range of plans, good customer service, 5G network
Slovak Telekom Excellent Excellent Competitive Innovative services, popular among locals and visitors, 5G network
O2 Slovakia Good Good Competitive Well-established operator with a range of plans, 5G network
4ka Good Good Cheapest No-frills operator with a focus on low prices, 5G network

Overall, the best Slovakia mobile operator for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the best coverage and speed, then Orange is the best choice. If you are looking for a good combination of coverage, speed, and price, then Slovak Telekom is a good option. If you are on a budget, then 4ka is the best choice.

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

You can purchase SIM cards from the major providers in Slovakia:

  • At official brand stores which all operators have located across cities
  • Partner outlets and distributors like newsstands
  • At electronics retailers like Datart and Nay
  • Online through operator websites

When you buy in person, you’ll need to show an ID document like a passport or national ID. Online purchases may require home delivery.

All the major supermarkets like Tesco and Lidl also sell prepaid SIMs from different operators. Buying a SIM card from major Slovakia mobile operators is fast and easy from many locations.

tabak press at Bratislava airport
Tabak Press at Bratislava Airport

5. Do Mobile Operators in Slovakia Offer eSIM?

eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan digitally without needing a physical SIM. eSIM in Slovakia is available from:

  • Orange – Supports eSIM on iPhone XS/XR models and newer. Activate in-store.
  • O2 – eSIM supported on newer iPhones and Android phones like S22. Manage through O2 app.
  • Slovak Telekom – Limited eSIM support. Mainly for wearables and cellular iPads.
  • 4ka – Currently offer eSIM but only for Slovaks.

So you can use eSIMs with both Orange and O2. Slovak Telekom has minimal support and 4ka lacks eSIM altogether. This allows phone dual SIM capabilities with the eSIM option.

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6. FAQs about Slovakia Mobile Operators

Which operator has the best coverage in Slovakia?

Slovak Telekom (DT) has the best overall coverage across Slovakia for 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. O2 also has excellent nationwide coverage and speeds.

Which is cheaper: prepaid or postpaid plans?

Prepaid can be much cheaper if you use minimal data. Plans start around 5 EUR. Postpaid has better value for higher data use around 15-25 EUR per month.

Can I use my phone from another country?

Yes, you can use unlocked GSM phones from Europe and most other regions. Some LTE bands differ so check phone and operator compatibility.

Do operators offer unlimited data plans?

Yes, all major providers now offer unlimited data on certain monthly plans, usually around 25 EUR per month. Some also provide 20 or 30 GB caps which is essentially unlimited.

Do I need to show ID to buy a SIM card?

Yes, you’ll need to show your passport, national ID card or other official ID when purchasing a SIM in-store. No ID is needed for online orders.

7. Conclusion

In summary, Orange and O2 come out as the top Slovakia mobile operators in Slovakia thanks to their widespread coverage, fast 4G speeds, unlimited data options, and good customer service. Orange has a slight edge for covering more rural areas and 5G while O2 is nearly as good and a bit cheaper. Both allow eSIMs. Slovak Telekom or its low-cost 4ka brand can also be good choices for affordable prepaid plans. Compare carriers based on the coverage and features you need to find the best Slovakia mobile operators.