The Croatian electronic communications market recorded an increase in investments in the second quarter of 2013, primarily as a result of investments in internet access via mobile communication networks, as well as in equipment that enables users in fixed communications to transition to new technologies.
Due to the transition to new technologies, operators of mobile and fixed communication networks continued to invest in the electronic communications market. According to HAKOM, approximately 18 percent more was invested than in the same period last year. The main areas of service growth remain broadband internet access and paid TV program transmission, while a decline was expected in the market for traditional telephone services in fixed communication networks.
The demand for broadband internet access via mobile communication networks continued to grow in the second quarter of 2013. The number of mobile broadband connections increased by about 10 percent compared to the previous period, so the overall density of broadband access in mobile and fixed communication networks reached nearly 31 percent by the end of the second quarter of 2013. Additionally, the significant growth in the use of broadband access via mobile communication networks was also contributed by the increased use of smartphones and tablet computers. If users accessing the internet via smartphones are included, the density of connections in mobile communication networks is around 64%.
HAKOM expects that the electronic communications market will continue to develop in the same direction in the upcoming period.
