New Caledonia Internet and Mobile Phones in New Caledonia
New Caledonia Internet
Visitors to New Caledonia will find access to the Internet easy in Noumea - where there are numerous Internet Cafes. The Rocket Guide to New Caledonia includes the locations of the most popular Internet Cafes.
The cost of Internet in New Caledonia is very high, between 900 and 1000 cfp per hour, and the "high speed" connections are slow compared to broadband connections in other countries. The high costs and low performance of New Caledonia's Internet derives from the fact that all communications to and from New Caledonia are monopolized by OPT and are sent via satellite. A submarine optic cable connection to Australia is expected to be completed by June 2008.
Almost all resorts and hotels have Internet access. Most hotels feature internet access directly from the rooms via Lan or wireless conections. These kinds of Internet connections are given for each accommodation in the Rocket Guide to New Caledonia CD-ROM.
OPT, the New Caledonia telecom service, has a "Carte iZi" that lets you log onto the Internet with a special number from any phone at all - including mobile phones or hotel phones. This is the most economical way to get connected to the Internet in Noumea.
Mobile Phones in New Caledonia
GSM mobile phones work almost everywhere near population centres throughout New Caledonia. The Rocket Guide to New Caledonia includes a coverage map and full details of mobile phone use.
OPT has a pay-in-advance Carte Liberté Welcome Pack for visitors. Just buy a Carte Liberte GSM pack at any post office, pop the sim card into your gsm mobile phone, and you are on line.
If you get a Carte iZi at the same time you can browse the Internet using your mobile phone or smart phone for 4.5 cfp per minute (cheap for Noumea, but the connection is painfully slow).
International roaming is available from most countries so your normal mobile phone and telephone number should work in New Caledonia. Ask your GSM provider before you leave to arrange for roaming in New Caldeonia. |
