Advances in the Telephony Market mean Savings for Customers

Elina Demai, ALBANIAN TIMES

Increased competition in the mobile telephony market in Albania, as a result of regulatory requirement for reduction of tariffs, has brought visible benefits to the customer. These benefits for clients of cellular companies in the country have been estimated in the region of 35 million euro by the Authority of Electronic & Postal Communication (Autoritetit ne Komunikimin Elektronik dhe Postar). Selami Xhepa has commented that mobile tariffs in Albania are now below the European average. As a result of the decrease in tariffs, AKEP has determined an increase in outgoing calls by customers from 30 to 60 minutes compared to previous years.


During the annual reporting before the commission, the head at AKEP expressed confidence that there will be further reductions in tariffs as a result of the introduction of fourth mobile operator in the country, expected within the first half of this year. Following on from this, another new service will be available to consumers, number portability, whereby a customer can change service provider whilst still maintaining their existing number. We can also expect to see 3G mobile technology, which will ultimately mean provision of broadband internet.