Despite the instability that continues to affect the country, the telecoms market functions relatively well. Seven mobile network operators, several of which also offer fixed-line and internet services, provide coverage across the country.  Thanks to the competitive market, tariffs are among the lowest in Africa and tele-density (the local availability of telephone lines) is higher than in neighbouring countries. 
There are four major mobile phone operators providing services Somalia: Hormuud in South and Central Somalia; Golis in North East (Puntland); Telesom in Somaliland and Somtel countrywide. Data capacity is very good and 4G services are offered in Mogadishu plus major cities. Of Somalia’s 12 million citizens, about 90% has a mobile phone. There is an agreement between Hormuud, Golis and Telesom for national roaming, i.e. a user with a Hormuud SIM can use the mobile phone also in the areas where the two other providers are covering. 

There is no restriction in applying for a SIM card from any one of the mobile providers in Somalia. However limitations come with the selection of the type of the services the client prescribes. There are post-paid and pre-paid services. A pre-paid application is not difficult to obtain unlike post-paid.
In 2014, the country gained access to international submarine fibre optic cables, (including the Djibouti Africa Regional Express (DARE) and the Gulf to Africa (G2A) cable system. There are also fibre-optic broadband links connecting Somalia across the Kenyan border and linking to directly into Hormuud Telecom's network.
Nonetheless it the country’s telecoms infrastructure has suffered from a lack of investment and militant groups have occasionally forced the closure of internet services in parts of the country.
Some progress has been made on the lack of central government guidance in the sector with the passing of the National Communications Law in 2017, aimed at setting a legal and regulatory framework for the sector and establishing a National Communications Agency.
In terms of Security Communications Systems (SCS) for humanitarians, UNDSS has deployed an analogue VHF repeater network across Somalia.  UNSOS has deployed a comprehensive Tetra network in Somalia, which agencies can access at a cost. There are some locations where there is no VHF network available, only Tetra. SatPhones are a key component of the SCS in Somalia and are a mandatory communications tool for field missions.