Bulgaria - Digital Economy and Broadband Markets - Insights, Statistics and Forecasts

Synopsis

Broadband represents nearly all Internet connections in Bulgaria, with healthy competition due to the number of competing technology platforms used to offer broadband access: DSL, cable, FttX, WiMAX and LAN-based micro ISPs. Recognising the potential of applying ICT to improve both social and economic development, Bulgaria has undertaken steps to develop an Internet society encompassing commerce, health and government services. Cable TV penetration is well above the EU average and the market has undergone considerable consolidation. Digital TV is also widely available via broadband TV and satellite, with the number of competing platforms increasing following the launch of services by the telecoms incumbent. This report provides an insight into Bulgaria’s burgeoning broadband and digital media markets in 2011 and an overview of the technologies, major players and market developments, as well as a variety of statistics and fixed broadband forecasts to 2020.

Key developments:

ASO put back to early 2015; new cableco association launched; consolidation among cable TV players; government investment programme for broadband in rural areas; Vivacom Net service reaching 75% of the population; Vivacom FiberNet offer to reach one million households by 2014; operator data to Q1 2011.

Companies covered in this report include:

Mobiltel, Trans Telecom, Vivacom, Bulgarian Telecom and Television, Blizoo.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
• 2. Broadband market
  • 2.1 Fixed broadband overview
  • 2.2 Broadband statistics
  • 2.3 Bulgaria’s emerging Internet society
    • 2.3.1 E-government
    • 2.3.2 E-health
  • 2.4 Cable
  • 2.5 Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
  • 2.6 Fibre-to-the-Home (FttH)
  • 2.7 Wireless broadband
    • 2.7.1 World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)
• 3. Overview of digital media market
  • 3.1 Digital TV
    • 3.1.1 Broadband TV (IPTV)
    • 3.1.2 Digital Terrestrial TV (DTTV)
    • 3.1.3 Cable TV (CATV)
    • 3.1.4 Satellite-based digital pay TV developments
• 4. Forecasts
  • 4.1 Fixed broadband forecasts – 2010 - 2013; 2020
    • 4.1.1 Scenario 1 – higher broadband subscriber growth
    • 4.1.2 Scenario 2 – lower broadband subscriber growth
    • 4.1.3 Notes on scenario forecasts
• 5. Related reports

• Table 1 – Internet users, subscribers and penetration rates – 2000 - 2011
• Table 2 – Fixed broadband subscribers by access type – January 2010
• Table 3 – Fixed broadband subscribers and penetration – 2005 - 2012
• Table 4 – Fixed broadband subscribers by data speed – January 2010
• Table 5 – ICT usage by businesses – 2006 - 2011
• Table 6 – Electronic sales as percentage of total non-VAT turnover for non-financial sector businesses with 10 or more employees – 2009 - 2010
• Table 7 – Online purchases by individuals – 2005 - 2012
• Table 8 – E-education usage by individuals – 2007 - 2010
• Table 9 – E-education usage by businesses – 2007 - 2010
• Table 10 – Uptake of e-government services by businesses – 2004 - 2010
• Table 11 – Uptake of e-government services by individuals – 2004 - 2010
• Table 12 – MobilTel fixed line subscribers –Mar 2011
• Table 13 – Cable broadband subscribers – 2005 - 2012
• Table 14 – ADSL subscribers – 2005 - 2012
• Table 15 – FttX subscribers – 2007 - 2012
• Table 16 – Audience share by broadcaster – Prime time – 2007 - 2010
• Table 17 – Audience share by broadcaster – All day – 2007 - 2010
• Table 18 – Total TV advertising spending – 2008 - 2009
• Table 19 – Forecast fixed broadband subscribers – higher growth scenario – 2010 - 2013; 2020
• Table 20 – Forecast fixed broadband subscribers – lower growth scenario – 2010 - 2013; 2020

• Chart 1 – Fixed broadband subscribers and penetration – 2005 – 2012

• Exhibit 1 – The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) annual E-readiness criteria