Gambia Telecommunications Cellular (Gamcel) is a state-owned mobile network operator in The Gambia, established to provide affordable and reliable telecommunications services. As one of the pioneering telecom providers in the country, Gamcel has played a crucial role in expanding mobile connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
Ownership & History
Gamcel is wholly owned by the Gambian government through the Gambia Telecommunications Company Limited (Gamtel). It was launched in the early 2000s as a mobile subsidiary of Gamtel, primarily focusing on GSM services. Over the years, it has faced stiff competition from private operators like Africell and QCell (now merged with Comium), but it remains a key player due to its nationwide coverage and government backing.
Market Position & Competitive Landscape
Gamcel operates in a competitive market dominated by Africell, which leads in terms of subscribers and network quality. However, Gamcel remains relevant due to its budget-friendly offerings, government contracts, and rural coverage. It primarily serves prepaid customers, with limited postpaid and enterprise solutions.
Network Technologies & Frequency Bands
Gamcel currently provides:
- 2G (GSM) – Widely available across the country (900 MHz band)
- 3G (UMTS/HSPA) – Limited coverage, mainly in urban areas (2100 MHz band)
- 4G (LTE) – Recently introduced in select regions (likely on 1800 MHz band)
- No 5G, VoLTE, or eSIM support as of the latest reports
Recent Service Launches & Innovations
- Mobile Money Services: Gamcel has partnered with financial institutions to offer mobile financial services.
- 4G Expansion: Efforts to improve high-speed internet access in major cities.
- Affordable Data Bundles: Competitive data plans targeting low-income users.
Comprehensive List of Gamcel USSD Codes
Basic Services & Account Management
| USSD Code | Description |
|---|---|
| *123# | Main menu for balance, offers, and services |
| 1231# | Check airtime balance |
| 1232# | Check data balance |
| 1233# | Check bonus balance (if applicable) |
| 1234# | Buy data bundles |
| 1235# | Buy voice/SMS bundles |
| 1236# | Customer care options |
Mobile Money & Financial Services (If Available)
Gamcel does not have an independent mobile money service but may support third-party financial USSD codes (e.g., for QMoney, Africell Money, or bank integrations).
Data & Internet Services
| USSD Code | Description |
|---|---|
| *127# | Data bundle purchase menu |
| 1271# | Daily data plans |
| 1272# | Weekly data plans |
| 1273# | Monthly data plans |
| 1274# | Night data bundles (if available) |
Customer Care & Support
| USSD Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 121 | Customer care helpline (may vary) |
| 1236*1# | Submit a complaint |
| 1236*2# | Check complaint status |
Value-Added Services (VAS)
| USSD Code | Description |
|---|---|
| *131# | Subscribe to promotions & entertainment services |
| 1311# | Music & ringtone subscriptions |
| 1312# | News & alerts subscriptions |
APN Settings for Mobile Internet
To configure internet on Gamcel:
- APN Name:
gamcel.gm - Username: (Leave blank)
- Password: (Leave blank)
- Authentication Type: None or PAP
Gamcel remains a vital telecom provider in The Gambia, particularly for budget-conscious users and rural communities. While it lags behind private operators in terms of 4G coverage and advanced services, its affordability and government support ensure its continued relevance. This guide provides the most up-to-date USSD codes, APN settings, and service details to help users maximize Gamcel’s offerings.
For the latest updates, customers should visit Gamcel’s official website (if available) or contact customer care at 121.
