Batelco
Speed: 5G
BD 6.000
/ month
- Includes 300 Local Minutes
- Social Media Zero-Rating
- Roaming rates apply outside GCC
Make a Confident Choice
Data-driven insights for Bahrain's mobile landscape.
Unbiased Analysis
The Comparison Engine
Batelco, STC, and Zain compete aggressively on price and coverage. We've normalized the data to show you exactly where the value lies—beyond the marketing headlines.
The 10GB Benchmark
We analyzed the typical monthly cost for a standard 10GB data allowance across all three operators. This removes the confusion of bundled minutes and SIM-only offers.
Best Value
STC
Speed: 5G+
BD 5.500
/ month
- 500 Local Minutes
- Unlimited Night Data (12AM-6AM)
- Competitive GCC Roaming
Zain
Speed: 5G
BD 6.500
/ month
- Unlimited Local Minutes
- 10GB Social Video Streaming
- Higher base price
Filtered Plans
| Plan Name | Price | Data | Minutes | Value Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batelco Prime | BD 6.0 | 10GB | 300m | Good |
| STC Unlimited 10 | BD 5.5 | 10GB | 500m | Best |
| Zain 12GB Social | BD 6.5 | 12GB | Unl | Fair |
| Batelco Go | BD 4.0 | 3GB | 100m | Basic |
| STC Starter | BD 3.5 | 2GB | 200m | Basic |
| Zain Flex | BD 4.5 | 5GB | 150m | Basic |
Prices include VAT. Data speeds may vary by location.
The Decision Lens
Price isn't everything. Use these criteria to weigh the "soft costs" of switching.
1. Top-Up Friction
How easy is it to recharge? STC and Batelco have deeply integrated banking apps and kiosks on every corner. Zain relies heavily on their app, which some users report has occasional payment gateway delays during peak hours.
Optimizes for: Convenience
2. Roaming & Travel
If you travel to the GCC frequently, STC offers the most competitive "GCC Passport" rates. Batelco's rates are standard but require manual activation via USSD codes. Zain bundles some travel perks but at a higher base monthly cost.
Sacrifices: Base Price (if travel is a priority)
3. Network Coverage
While all three claim 99% coverage, Batelco historically holds the edge in rural areas and islands (like Hawar). STC is aggressive in urban centers (Manama, Seef). Zain is consistent but can face congestion in crowded malls.
Optimizes for: Reliability
Key Takeaway
If your priority is lowest monthly cost and you stay mostly in the city, STC is the mathematical winner. However, if you need unmatched reliability in remote areas, Batelco is worth the premium.
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Real User Context
Family
"We switched the whole family to Batelco because of the shared data pools. Coverage in Riffa is solid, and we never overpay for unused data."
Fatima, Manama
Traveler
"As a consultant flying weekly, STC's automatic roaming bundles save me the hassle of buying local SIMs in Dubai or Riyadh. It just works."
Ali, Muharraq
Streamer
"I'm on Zain mainly for the social video zero-rating. Watching TikTok doesn't touch my main data allowance, which is a huge plus for me."
Khalid, Seef
Ready to choose? Check the latest plans.
The Smart Switcher's Checklist
Changing operators in Bahrain is easy, but doing it without losing your number or service continuity requires a few checks. Here’s the 4-beat process we recommend.
-
1
Check Coverage at Your Location
Don't rely on maps alone. Ask neighbors or check the "Report" section in the operator apps for real-world signal strength in your building.
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2
Clear Outstanding Balance
Ensure your current contract is paid off. Postpaid users often face delays in porting if there are pending device installments.
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3
Get Your PAC Code
Text "PAC" to 1234 (current operator) to get your porting code. It's valid for 30 days. Keep this code handy.
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4
Visit New Provider
Take your ID and PAC code to the new provider's store. The switch usually happens within 1 hour, usually between 10 PM and 6 AM.