Last updated: 27 Apr 2012 Update History
Report Status: Archived
Report Pages: 66
Analyst: Henry Lancaster
Publication Overview
This report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in the Greek telecommunications market. The report analyses the mobile, internet, broadband, digital TV and converging media sectors. Subjects include:
Key developments:
Cosmoline’s WiMAX licence withdrawn; economic crisis stalls national FttH project; steady rise in digital satellite subscriber base; OTE’s VDSL launch to relaunch in mid-2012; OTE cleared to re-launch VDSL in mid-2012; EC presses Greece to facilitate broadband network access; six telcos negotiate for national open access FttB network; IPTV market stuck in doldrums; OTE launches new satellite TV service and plans to sell Hellas Sat; Wind Hellas bankruptcy; economic effects on mobile market spending; amended laws reducing SIM card penetration; 2G spectrum to be refarmed for 3G and 4G use; 9000MHz and 1800MHz auction results; Wind Hellas invests in HSPA+ network upgrade; ATHENA submarine cable from Cyprus to Greece nears completion; regulator assesses work programme; economic crisis affecting telecoms revenue and investment; OTE signs three-year wage deal in bid to save cash; wholesale FttC access determined; operator data to end-2011; market developments into early 2012.
Companies covered in this report include:
Vodafone, Cosmote, Wind Hellas, OTE, On Telecom, ForthNet, Hellas Online.
Researcher:- Henry Lancaster
Current publication date: April 2012 (10th Edition)
Executive Summary
BuddeComm’s half-yearly publication Greece - Telecoms, IP Networks, Digital Media and Forecasts, provides a comprehensive overview of the trends and developments in the telecoms and digital media markets in Greece, including the regulator’s latest market data, operator data to the end of 2011 and market developments into 2012.
Economic conditions
Greece’s continuing period of economic difficulties provides little course for optimism. In return for two bailouts amounting to some €240 billion the government has been obliged to introduce a range of austerity measures, as well as sell many assets including a significant stake in the incumbent telco OTE. A recent debt sustainability report from the IMF, ECB and EC warned of a 160% GDP debt ratio by 2020 if Greece fails to deliver structural reforms including €3.3 billion in cuts for 2012 alone and further reductions in public sector jobs. Dwindling revenue from taxes as businesses fail effectively means that Greece has little chance of returning to growth in 2013, as the bailout providers hope. Indeed, new debt issued by the government in 2014/2015 depends on economic recovery, and since creditors are unlikely to purchase Greek debt if the economy falters the government is likely to require an additional €50 billion bailout after 2014.
Telecom revenue overview
Greece’s telecoms market has been significantly affected by the contracting economy, with a number of operators posting falling revenue and increased borrowing costs. The market has contracted since 2008, exacerbated by retail competition which has driven prices down, and the effects of a number of regulator measures. The market has been buoyed by the broadband and nascent mobile data sector, though operators should look to tough times for two to three years at least.
Broadband market
Greece’s internet market is underdeveloped by EU standards, with relatively low penetration rates. In the absence of an effective competing cable broadband platform, broadband is dominated by DSL though LLU has in recent years steadily eroded the market dominance of OTE. Consumers can expect faster services from mid-2012 when OTE is able to re-launch its VDSL offers suspended in 2011 over wholesale pricing and access issues. Delays in building a national FttX network – initially aimed at delivering 100Mb/s services to 40% of the population by 2015 –prompted a number of telcos in 2011 to discuss a shared open access network incorporating some or all of the operators’ existing duct and cable infrastructure.
Mobile market
The mobile market is dominated by Cosmote, Vodafone and Wind Hellas. The bankruptcy of Wind Hellas and its re-emergence in early 2011 under the auspices of a holding company, encouraged Vodafone briefly to consider buying the operator. Wind is investing in network upgrades in a bid to rebuild its business viability. Thus far, take-up of mobile broadband and high-end data services has been slow though the recent auction of 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum should provide a boost for LTE services in coming years.
Greece– Key telecom parameters – 2010; 2013
Sector |
2010 |
2013 (e) |
Subscribers to telecoms services (million): |
||
Fixed broadband |
2.21 |
3.15 |
Mobile (SIM cards in service) |
18.0 |
17.8 |
Mobile broadband |
1.7 |
2.25 |
Fixed-line telephony |
3.51 |
2.87 |
Market penetration by sector: |
||
Fixed broadband |
20% |
26% |
Fixed-line telephony |
46% |
41% |
Mobile SIM (population) |
118% |
116% |
(Source: BuddeComm)
Key Highlights
This report is essential reading for those needing high level strategic information and objective analysis on the telecom sector in Greece. It provides further information on:
Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year.
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