National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of Moldova

Statistical data about the developments of fixed telephony market in 2015, published today on the official website of the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI), shows that the number of subscribers and the voice traffic continued to reduce in this sector in fixed networks. Consequently, the number of fixed telephony subscribers decreased, in comparison with the end of 2014, by more than 15,8 mil (-1,3%) and made around 1,2 million and the total volume of voice traffic through fixed networks decreased by almost 20% and totaled approximately 2,1 billion minutes.

The reduction in the number of subscribers was determined by the decline in the subscriber base of SA "Moldtelecom" by 22,8 mil.(-2,2%), this totaling over 1 mil.74,5 thousand. At the same time the cumulative subscriber base of the other 24 alternative fixed telephony providers increased more than 8 mil. (+6,7%) and totaled over 127,9 mil. As a result of this evolution, the fixed telephony penetration rate per 100 inhabitants of the R. Moldova decreased by 0,4% and reached 33,8%.

According to data reported by providers, the 20 percent decrease of the total volume of voice traffic originated in fixed networks was caused by declines in the majority of traffic segments. Consequently, the voice traffic towards networks outside of Moldova decreased by 27,4%, the traffic towards mobile networks - by 11,2%, and the interconnection traffic - by 3%. In addition, the voice traffic to other fixed networks increased by 22%. Of the total outgoing calls, 43% were directed towards mobile networks, 38,6% towards other fixed networks and 15,1% towards international destination. In the reporting year, the average monthly duration of calls made via one access line was 3h.45 min, with an average call lasting 2 minutes and 22 seconds. ANRCETI specialists explained the decrease in the number of subscribers and voice traffic in the fixed telephony sector through their migration to voice services offered through internet, and to the mobile phone services that are more convenient for users.

Statistical data shows that total volume of sales on the fixed telephony market had a positive trend in 2015. Consequently, the revenues of JSC “Moldtelecom” from fixed telephony services increased in comparison with 2014, by 8,6 mil. lei (+0,9%) and totaled around 951 mil. lei and the cumulative revenues of alternative fixed telephony providers increased by 7,7 mil. lei (+13,1%) and totaled around 67 mil. lei. Accordingly, the average revenue per user (ARPU) increased by 1,8 lei (+2,7%) and reached 70,2 lei. JSC “Moldtelecom” recorded a 73 lei ARPU (increasing by 2,9%), while the alternative providers - 45,4 lei (increasing by 4,8%).

As a result of the indicators mentioned above, in 2015 the market share of JSC “Moldtelecom”, according to turnover, was 93,4% (decreasing by 0,7% p.p.) and the cumulative share of the alternative fixed telephony providers increased in the same proportion, by 0,7 p.p. and totaled 6,6%.

Additional data about the developments of the mobile service market in 2015 can be found on www.anrceti.md, Statistical Data section.

March 3, 2016