The communications infrastructure in the Czech Republic is quite sophisticated but organized somewhat differently to that of the rest of Europe or the United States.

Telephones

The majority of Czech citizens rely upon mobile phones for their communication needs. Residential telephone lines are relatively uncommon and obtaining one can take months of effort and red tape. Owning a mobile phone is virtually essential. If you are renting a house or apartment it is unlikely a residential line will be available. If you must have a dedicated home telephone line, contact the provider Czech Telecom. A fee of approximately CZK 3500 applies.

There are three primary mobile phone providers in the Czech Republic with a variety of plans to choose from. Mobile phone numbers are 9 digits in length and you can ascertain the provider by looking at the 3-digit prefix. Cell phone coverage is extensive throughout the Republic.

Eurotel: www.eurotel.cz 601, 602, 606, 607, 720-729

T-Mobile: www.t-mobile.cz 603, 604, 605, 730-739

Oskar: www.oskarmobil.cz 608, 770-779

Internet

High-speed, reliable Internet service is increasing in availability throughout the Czech Republic, although currently the majority of businesses rely upon mobile phones more than e-mail.

There are several Internet providers in Prague, among them:

BroadNet
Konevova 2747/99, Prague 3
271 035 800

Casablanca INT
Vinohradska 184, Prague 3
267 132 036-8

CentroNet
Jindrisska 20, Prague 1
224 213 919

Cesnet
Zikova 4, Prague 6
224 352 994

Contactel
Vinohradska 174, Prague 3
255 755 111

Czech On Line
U Nakladoveho Nadrazí 8, Prague 3
800 880 800

If you don't have access to a computer there are numerous cybercafes available where you can access the Internet for an hourly fee.

Postal Service

Although it is improving, the Czech postal service has not yet established a reputation for reliability or efficiency. Private courier services are available for important letters and parcels, although they can be costly.

The majority of Post Offices are open weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm and closed on weekends. One exception is the one located near the Namesti Republiky metro station, which is open 24 hours a day. The main Post Office at Jindrisska 14 operates from 7 am to 8 pm.

Television

The local television system is the European PAL. There are also several satellite TV providers to choose from.

Radio

BBC World Service: 101.1 FM; short wave: 6195, 9410, 12095
Radio France International: 99.3 FM
Central Europe Today: 91.9 FM (Mon.-Fri. 7:00-7:15 a.m.]
Radio Prague Calling: 92.6 FM [Mon.-Fri. 8:30-9:00 a.m.]