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| Moldova, Republic Of Telecommunications Research |
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 Moldova - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
Executive summary
Mobile powers on despite the bumps
A growing nation and European Union aspirant, Moldova has enjoyed consistent economic growth since 2000 until it was affected by the recent global economic turmoil, with real GDP contracting by 6.5% in 2009. The dire situation forced Moldova to seek assistance from the International Monetary Foundation in January 2010, with US$560 million allocated. The economy is expected to recover, with IMF estimates of 2.5% real GDP growth for 2010, rising to 3.6% for 2011.
The eastern part of the country is a disputed region known as Transdniester, governed by the internationally unrecognised Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, and possesses separate telecommunications and broadcasting networks.
An EU aspirant, Moldova is a partner country within the European Neighbourhood Policy, through which financial assistance is offered in exchange for observing strict conditions of government or economic reform. Telecoms and information society development objectives under the ENP include:
Adopting a comprehensive regulatory framework encompassing licensing, network access and interconnection, numbering, cost-orientation of tariffs, Universal Service and users rights, privacy protection and data security
Promoting use of the new technologies by business and administration, in particular in regards to e-commerce, e-government, e-health and e-learning via the provision of infrastructure and development of content and the introduction of pilot projects
Market liberalisation commencing 1 January 2004
Ensuring the independence, powers and efficiency of the market regulator
Improving ICT literacy among the general populationIn its European Neighbourhood Policy strategy for 2007-2013, the EU pledged support for establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework, improving the capacity of the regulator and promoting the use of broadband infrastructure and online services by businesses, public administration and citizens.
Moldova's relations with the EU and participation in the European Neighbourhood Policy delivered approximately €300 million in financial assistance to Moldova during 1991-2006. Another €230 million has been allocated for 2007-2010.
The growth of Moldova's telecoms market has mirrored the country's overall economy. Market liberalisation has opened up the entire communications market to competition; the success of this policy is evident in the broadband and mobile markets but not as such in the fixed telephony market, where the incumbent still dominates the market due to delays in implementing an effective regulatory regime to promote effective competition.
Moldova's Internet market is one of rapid change. Broadband now representing the majority of Internet connections, with future growth centred on first time Internet subscribers due to the shrinking number of dial up subscribers. Fixed broadband services are accessible via ADSL, cable, FttX and wireless. Competition is predominantly infrastructure based although this will eventually change given the improving regulatory environment.
Broadcasting services are available terrestrial, cable, satellite and broadband. Digital TV services are available and the uptake of pay TV services improved in line with overall economic growth.
Moldova's mobile market has grown rapidly and accounts for the majority of total telecoms revenue. A total of three operators, two GSM and one CDMA, are licensed to offer services. CDMA services are available in the Transdniester region. Current penetration levels point to continued future growth due to new subscriber additions in the mobile voice market. The launch of 3G/HSDA networks has opened up a new revenue growth opportunity centred on mobile broadband, with the mobile operators well positioned due to the lack of broadband market competition outside of large cities, the geographical reach of their networks, market brand recognition and existing customer relationships.
Market highlights:
The uncompetitive fixed telephony market continues to attract new market entrants; the number of registered authorised providers of electronic communications networks tripled during 2009.
Broadband represents the majority of Internet connections. Competing fixed broadband platforms include ADSL, cable, FttX and wireless. FttX is the second most popular platform after ADSL, with speeds of up to 100Mb/s offered.
Digital TV availability via cable, satellite and digital terrestrial TV. Cable operators offer triple play services bundling VoIP telephony, broadband Internet access and cable TV services. The incumbents of both Moldova and Transdniester offer IPTV services.
Relatively under penetrated compared with neighbouring markets, current penetration levels point to continual growth for Moldova's mobile market. Mobile market growth will be sustained in the medium term by mobile broadband competition which has led to increasing bundled amounts of data.Moldova broadband and telecoms statistics - 2010
Sector20102011
Broadband (thousand)
Fixed broadband penetration7%8%
Mobile broadband penetration2%3%
Subscribers to telecoms services (million)
Fixed-line telephone subscribers1.21.2
Mobile phone subscribers2.62.8
(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: 20 Sep 2010 Number of Pages: 28
Single User: USD $475.00 ex-GST View Table of Contents
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