Since October 2006, when the number portability service was technically enabled, 13,167 mobile network users and 77,309 fixed-line users have utilized this option, according to data from the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries.
The agency did not wish to disclose which operators were the most popular new choices, but it is likely that most of the transitions were to the networks of new, alternative operators, while existing operators mostly lost users. Thus, in mobile telephony, the most popular network for switching was Tele2, and in fixed-line, it was Optima Telekom.
A recent survey among 1,000 visitors to the MobilMedia magazine’s internet portal showed that 15 percent of users are considering changing their mobile operator. The penetration of mobile telephony (the number of mobile phones per 100 inhabitants) in Croatia at the end of 2006 was 100.57 percent. Since October 1 of last year, the number portability service has been introduced in mobile networks, allowing users to choose an operator without changing their phone number and area code. (Hrvoje Mateljić)
