A1 Group, a subsidiary of Mexican telecommunications conglomerate America Movil, has stated that it has recognised the infrastructure demand and made forward-looking investments in future-proof networks. A1 Group noted that with several hundreds of millions of euros invested annually in its networks, the company is well-prepared to handle the unprecedented surge in data and voice traffic through its 4G/5G network coverage.
A1 Group has, in particular, stated that the company is focused on achieving comprehensive network coverage for both 4G and 5G technologies and has special attention to tourist areas since all countries where the group telcos operate have tourist regions. In the story ahead, let’s read about the 4G and 5G net coverage across all the seven group markets of A1 Group.
Tourist Areas Get Priority in Network Coverage
As summer approaches and tourist areas brace for an influx of visitors, A1 Group has taken special care to ensure that these regions receive comprehensive network coverage. Recognising that many economies rely heavily on tourism, A1 Group stated that they have prioritised catering to these areas and providing seamless connectivity to residents and visitors.
Here’s a brief look at some key points regarding the A1 Group’s network coverage in specific countries:
1. Austria: A1 stated that well-known tourist regions such as Worthersee, Salzkammergut, Attersee, Gasteinertal, Arlberg or Kitzbuhel show good figures regarding 4G/5G network coverage. A1 Group has a near 100 percent 5G coverage in Vienna and around 97.02 percent to 100 percent population coverage (4G or 5G network), depending on topographical locations in well-known tourist regions.
2. Bulgaria: The A1 4G network covers over 99.4 percent of the country’s population, and the company continues to develop its 5G network covering the majority of settlements with a population of 3,000 or more as of 2022. The company stated that it offers 5G speeds in all of the major sea and winter resorts and tourist sites in the country, including Albena, Golden Sands, Nesebar, Primorsko, Sozopol, Sunny Beach, Kiten, Velingrad, Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo, etc. A1 Bulgaria also stated that it operates a fibre network covering 78 big cities and 137 smaller towns, providing gigabit-capable access to over 1,706,654 households.
3. Croatia: The mobile network of A1 Croatia is considered among the best in Europe, all year around and especially in the summer months. LTE network coverage is at 99 percent of the population, and the telco aims to cover 85 percent of the population with 5G by the end of the year. A1 provided an example where in 2022, as compared to the year before the EU roaming regulation (2016), the data traffic of roaming visitors increased by 28,000 percent, and the number of conversations increased by 245 percent.
4. Belarus: A1 provides mobile communications services covering 99 percent of the country’s population, including major tourist areas, with 4G and high-speed internet availability. As of June 30, 2022, the company’s mobile services were used by 4.889 million subscribers.
5. Serbia: A1 Serbia has a 4G population coverage of 99 percent at the country level, with the addition of preparing for the implementation of 5G technology. A1 anticipates foreign visitors to join 2.5 million A1 users to experience its network this summer. According to A1, its network covers over 97-100 percent of the territory of tourist centres, such as Zlatibor, Kopaonik, Tara, Vrnjacka banja and Fruska gora. A1 Serbia has stated that they have built over 300 km of their own fibre network and have recently acquired ownership of 850 km of telecommunication pipes for laying fibre cables as reported by TelecomTalk.
6. Slovenia: A1 Slovenia offers the largest 5G coverage to roaming customers, covering 73 percent of the population with 5G services and 99.9 percent with 4G LTE. They plan to extend 5G coverage to 99 percent of the population by the end of 2025. According to A1, visitors can enjoy the fastest mobile network in the top 10 tourist areas, such as Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Portoroz, Ljubljana, and Maribor.
7. North Macedonia: A1 Macedonia provides complete 4G/LTE coverage to its customers, with 4G+ in urban areas and 99.8 percent coverage of the total population. The company has started building its 5G network and aims to cover 56.6 percent of the total population. The LTE network covers tourist centres such as Ohrid Lake, and A1 Macedonia will continue investing in its modernisation.
This attention to tourist regions is crucial, as these areas heavily rely on communication services due to their dependence on tourism.
Concerning Network coverage A1 Group stated, “We are convergent in virtually all markets or at least convergent-ready with comprehensive offerings ranging from fixed line, broadband, mobile broadband solutions, IP TV, ICT and data centre solutions. And with our majority owner America Movil, we as A1 Group can count on the strength of one of the world’s largest telecommunications providers.”
America Movil Increases Stake in Telekom Austria
In a related development and strategic move to strengthen its position in the European telecommunications market, America Movil has increased its shareholding in Telekom Austria.
According to the official release, the telecommunications giant, through its subsidiary America Movil BV, recently acquired additional shares, equivalent to 5.55 percent of the voting rights in Telekom Austria AG.
With this acquisition, America Movil’s overall shareholding in Telekom Austria AG has risen from 51 percent to 56.55 percent. The move underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its influence in the region and capitalising on potential growth opportunities.
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