Synopsis

Progressive government policies on broadband infrastructure and an active regulatory regime have also contributed to Estonia having one of the highest broadband penetration rates in Europe. Broadband is available via a range of fixed-line and wireless technologies, with ADSL2+, FttP, cable, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and HSPA/LTE platforms widely available. The incumbent telco Telia Estonia is the dominant provider of DSL-based services, while cable broadband is the main competing platform. Telia is planning to end DSL-based services by the end of 2020, migrating customers to its G.fast and fibre networks. Elisa’s consolidation with the principal cableco Starman in April 2017 has enabled the operator to offer a more comprehensive suite of bundled services, and so compete more effectively with Telia.

High broadband penetration has underpinned Estonia’s emerging internet economy, with various e-commerce, e-government, e-education and e-health services available and widely used.

This report provides statistics and an overview of broadband market developments and trends in Estonia, as well as subscribers forecasts.

Key developments:

• Government commits €20 million to rural broadband program;
• Telia Estonia planning to close DSL-based services by end-2020;
• Estonian start-up developing Li-Wi technology;
• Estonia develops e-residency cards; analogue cable services end;
• Report update includes operator data to Q4 2018, Statistics Estonia data to June 2018, regulator's market data updates and 2017 annual report, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report:

Telia Estonia, Elisa, Starman, STV, Viasat, Levira, Baltic Broadband.