Hungary - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Hungary - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Hungary's telecom market sees increasing consolidation

Hungary's telecom infrastructure has been upgraded in recent years following considerable investments made by telcos as they upgrade their mobile networks to 5G and deploy more fibre. These developments have helped operators to promote converged fixed and mobile service, and this in turn prompted 4iG to expand its service reach by investing in Vodafone Hungary. 4iG is now the second largest MNO in the country, and the top provider of fixed broadband and TV services.

As in many other markets in the region, the number of fixed-lines continues to fall as subscribers migrate to the mobile platform for voice and data services. However, growth in the fixed broadband sector remains resilient, with the number of subscribers having increased 2.8% in 2021, largely supported by the wider reach availability of fibre.

The regulator has introduced a number of measures aimed at promoting competition in the broadband market, which is pushing the drive for higher speed platforms and encouraging operators to invest in technology upgrades. As a result, Hungary has the highest fixed broadband penetration rate in Eastern Europe. By the end of 2022, the incumbent telco Maygar Telekom provided a 1Gb/s service to over 3.4 million premises across the country.

The dynamic mobile market is served by four MNOs and a small number of MVNOs. Mobile penetration is relatively high for the region, and there remains considerable growth in mobile broadband services delivered via upgraded networks. Revenue growth is focused on mobile data as operators struggle with competition and regulated tariff reductions, as well as reductions in the MTR.

Maygar Telekom is at the forefront of 5G developments, supported by the government, universities, other telcos, and vendors forming the Hungarian 5G Coalition.

This report provides an overview of Hungary's telecoms market, highlighting regulatory developments, the major operators, fixed-line network infrastructure and a range of statistics. The report also covers the mobile voice and data sectors, including a review of regulations and operator strategies for adopting new technologies. In addition, the report reviews the fixed and wireless broadband market, including market analyses, statistics, and subscriber forecasts to 2027.

Key developments:

Telecom regulator starts auction of 32GHz spectrum for 5G-based mobile broadband services.
Government introduces additional tax on telcos' revenue to shore up state finances.
Regulator extends mobile device upgrade subsidy scheme as the MNOs complete 3G network shutdowns.
Yettel Hungary extends the reach of its LTE-enabled OtthonNet broadband service nationally, and launches a 5G service.
4iG completes acquisition of Vodafone Hungary, acquires a 20% stake in Spacecom.
FttX subscriber base reaches 1.33 million.
Report update includes the regulator's market data to September 2022, telcos' financial and operating data to Q4 2022, updated Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report:

Maygar Telecom, Vodafone Hungary (UPC Hungary), Hungarotel, GTS Datanet, B2B Europe, T-Mobile Hungary, Telenor Hungary, Invitel, Antenna Hungária"