Cellular communication of the GSM 900 standard is rather poorly developed, the system practically covers only the large islands of the Gilbert group.

Roaming with the local network of Kiribati Frigate (Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd) is limitedly available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators only through the networks of other operators in the Pacific region.

Local SIM cards can be purchased from operators’ offices, but it is recommended that you check the card directly in your phone before purchasing, as some GSM phones are not supported by the local operator.

Telephone communications
The telephone system in the country is developed, although focally, but it has a fairly high level. Most of the islands are interconnected by an extensive network of radiotelephones, and wired lines are available on Tarawa and Kiritimati. The networks are operated by Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd (TSKL), part of the Pacific Ocean Cooperative Telecommunications Network, which provides a full range of communications services to most of the Pacific island nations.

A direct phone call abroad can be made from any pay phone on Tarawa, on the rest of the islands international calls are made through an operator. Domestic calls cost A$0.15 per call, calls to Russia cost from A$4 to A$7 per minute depending on the time of day. The phones work with prepaid cards in denominations of A$5, A$10, A$20 and A$50, which are sold in all shops and kiosks in the central atolls.