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| Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic Of Telecommunications Research |
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 Macedonia - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
Executive summary
Defined as a lower middle-income country by the World Bank, Macedonia possesses a services dominated economy, which represents approximately 60% of GDP. Economic growth is expected to reach 2% during 2010 and medium-term prospects have been rated as good by the International Monetary Fund due to continued macroeconomic stability and ongoing structural reforms.
Much of the structural reforms have been due to its bid to join the European Union, which is progressing as noted by its status as an official EU candidate. As part of the EU pre-accession process, Macedonia has received financial aid to build public institutions and improve cross-border cooperation under EU funding mechanism Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance. Under the scheme, Macedonia is expected to receive €92.3 million during 2010, €98.7 million during 2011 and €105.8 million during 2012.
As part of economic reforms the communications market has been liberalised and the incumbent privatised. Following implementation of the EU's regulatory framework for communications the regulator has completed a series of market competitiveness analyses and issued a number of recommendations designed to promote effective competition.
Broadband represents the majority of Internet connections. Competition is predominantly infrastructure-based although regulatory improvements are creating a viable wholesale market, evident from the growing number of unbundled loops and wholesale line rentals. The improving of Internet speeds has paved the way for new Internet-based services such as broadband TV and fostered Internet society development.
Macedonia's mobile market is served by three mobile network operators. SIM card penetration levels are indicative of market saturation. Future medium-term growth is dependent on the uptake of mobile broadband services, made possible following recent deployment of WCDMA/HSDPA networks.
Market highlights:
Competitors are making inroads into the fixed telephony market, with alternative operators representing almost 20% of total fixed lines. Market prospects for competitors have improved due to recent regulatory developments.
Broadband uptake growth is expected to maintain momentum throughout 2010. The wholesale broadband market is improving following development of a LRIC pricing model and imposition of obligations on the incumbent in regards to local loop unbundling and wholesale broadband access.
Digital TV is widely available via satellite, digital terrestrial TV and broadband TV. Uptake data is promising, digital terrestrial TV subscribers reached 10,000 in the first four months of operation while the subscriber base of the incumbent's IPTV increased by 50% in the first six months of 2010.
Competition is intensifying in the mobile market as the newest mobile network operator gains market share. The uptake of mobile number portability improved following a reduction in fees. After increasing 30-fold during the previous year, continued strong growth in mobile broadband penetration is expected due to increased affordability.Macedonia broadband and telecoms statistics - 2007 - 2010
Sector2007200820092010 (e)
Broadband (thousand)
Fixed broadband subscribers101179220250
Fixed broadband penetration rate5%9%11%12%
Subscribers to telecoms services (thousand)
Fixed-line telephone subscribers464457437425
Mobile phone subscribers1,9472,3582,1081,990
(Source: BuddeComm based on industry data)
This report covers trends and developments in telecommunications, mobile, Internet, broadband, digital TV. Subjects include:
Market and industry analyses, trends and developments;
Facts, figures and statistics;
Industry and regulatory issues;
Infrastructure;
Major players, revenues, subscribers, ARPU, MOU;
Mobile voice and data markets;
Broadband (FttH, DSL, cable TV, wireless);
Digital media.
Last Update: 6 Jun 2011 Number of Pages: 45
Single User: USD $445.00 ex-GST View Table of Contents
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