A1 Hrvatska Soon Introduces Starlink to Its Offer

To ensure that owners of hospitality and tourism facilities, as well as business entities, especially small entrepreneurs in rural and coastal areas, have internet access at locations where terrestrial connections are unavailable or of insufficient quality, A1 Hrvatska will soon introduce the Starlink satellite internet device, backed by the world’s richest man Elon Musk. Vacation destinations such as camps and villas are often located in areas difficult for optical and cable networks to reach, and these areas are now covered by internet signal thanks to Starlink.

Standard devices and remote devices for, for example, boats, will be available for purchase at A1 stores and on the A1 website starting March 7, while the tariff can be purchased directly through Starlink. Installation is straightforward as the device comes with an app that guides the user through the entire process, explained Iva Babić, Head of Product Marketing and Business Development at A1 Hrvatska, during today’s presentation of the new offer.

Reliable Alternative

The device connects to Starlink satellites via an integrated, automatically directed phased antenna, ensuring a stable internet connection. Since Starlink satellites are located lower in orbit, they enable faster internet connection and lower latency, even in adverse weather conditions.

Although the best internet is still provided by gigabit networks, A1 Hrvatska wanted to offer citizens a reliable alternative in all situations where appropriate fixed or mobile connectivity cannot be provided, explained Ivana Marković, Chief Executive Officer for the residential segment at A1 Hrvatska, during today’s presentation of the new offer.

Additionally, with the introduction of Starlink, A1 further strengthens its position in the business sector, noted Daniel Šimić, Chief Executive Officer for the business segment at A1 Hrvatska.

– This service will provide connectivity to users who often operate in areas with underdeveloped internet infrastructure, such as small entrepreneurs, family farms, digital nomads, and sectors like construction, maritime, and transport – said Šimić.

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Daniel Šimić

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Croats Love Starlink

The device will be available for purchase by A1 Hrvatska users, as well as those who are not. In fact, more and more people in Croatia are using Starlink, as we recently reported in Lider.

According to the latest data from HAKOM, there were 3,437 registered Starlink users in Croatia in the third quarter of last year, representing an increase of 2,464 percent in just two years, from the first quarter of 2022 when there were only 134 in HAKOM’s statistics. Compared to the same quarter in 2023, when there were 1,610 users, the number increased by 113 percent.

These users have so far been able to purchase complete equipment – a satellite antenna (the so-called ‘dish’), router, and cable connections – with costs and waiting for delivery, while A1 Hrvatska’s new service allows for the purchase of devices directly in their stores, making it easier for users who may not be technically savvy in the process of acquiring Starlink. According to their estimates, about one hundred thousand households in Croatia lack internet access due to infrastructure shortages, so they could be potential new users of Starlink.