Telecommunications in Kuwait

ISPs:

1) QualityNet www.qualitynet.net/
2) KEMS http://www.kems.net/hotspots.aspx
3) FASTTELCO http://www.fasttelco.net/AxCMSTemplates/index.htm
4) Gulfnet www.unitednetworks.com.kw

the disadvantage of ISP internet is the requirement of a residential landline onwhich to install the service, most expats in Kuwait ignore the idea of getting a landline (who uses it @ home nowadays anyway) for the red-tape involved in getting a landline (still the same procedure as 100 years ago or so) and the insurance amount that must be paid for a landline with the MOC(120KD).

most buildings now however offer the option of paying 5KD a month for a shared DSL connection, no landline necessary. this amounts to 60KD a year, a 512kbps connection would cost roughly 77KD a year, but that would require a landline. You get it through a wire (costs extra but its a one-time thing) similar to the satelite service.


instead, most expats would opt for mobile internet, thru one of the three mobile telecom providers:

1) Wataniya www.wataniya.com
2) Zain www.kw.zain.com/
3) Viva www.viva.com.kw/

imho, the best way to make long distance calls is to use a VoIP, skype, nymgo, nimbuzz etc.

it is cheaper, and with mobile internet, its just as simple as making a regular call.

technically, VoIP is banned in kuwait i.e. skype website is blocked, and nymgo is blocked on SOME ISPs (Fasttelco blocks it, qualitynet does not). However, the service itself is not blocked, meaning if u download skype thru mirror website, such as tucows or download.com, install it, and ur in business (so long as u r not making a business and charging people, its ok for personal use).

As for which plans to take when talking about mobiles, prepaid or post-paid, thats up to each individual. my suggestion is however, when you join your company, ask them if they offer a package (corporate) to their employees, you would pay all ofcourse, but it would give you better rates (daytime, night-time etc) than u simply getting a line from the retailer.

wow,you have vast info on Kuwait.how long have you been here