The use of mobile services fell again in the second quarter

2024-09-19 18:42:00, Tech CNA

The use of mobile services fell again in the second quarter

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Internet usage by mobile networks grew again at a rapid pace in the second quarter of the year, continuing to "eclipse" more and more the services of other mobile operators.

According to data from the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP), total Internet traffic from mobile networks increased by 14.1% compared to the second quarter of last year. Average internet consumption per user increased to 8.78 GB (gigabyte) of internet per month, up 20.1% compared to the same period a year ago.

Other services continued the downward trend of several years.

Outgoing call traffic decreased by 13.1% compared to the same period a year ago, the number of text messages decreased by 6.2%.

Each subscriber used the mobile phone for an average of 127 minutes per month, 5.5% less compared to the same period a year ago.

Meanwhile, the number of messages written was 13 per user per month, a slight increase of 2% less compared to the same period a year ago.

Even the number of users of mobile services (actually measured as the number of SIM cards or active mobile numbers) decreased in the second quarter of the year, with 7.9% less compared to the previous year.

Experts attribute the decline in the use of mobile calls and SMS to their shift to Internet-connected OTT (over the top) applications. Calls and messages are being forwarded more through applications such as WhatsApp, gradually reducing the use of traditional services based on GSM networks. This is making the transmission capacities of the Internet increasingly important in the provision of mobile services.

At the end of August, AKEP officially opened the competition for the first frequencies to be used for 5G mobile services technology. 5G networks are expected to offer greater capacities and broader perspectives, especially in the expansion of services, mainly in urban areas in the country.

The deadline for submitting offers will be October 17 of this year, the date when the submitted offers will be opened. The start time of using the frequencies will be no later than 6 months from the date of the device with Individual Authorization.

The conditions of the tender require a coverage of 55% of the population with 5G services by 2027 and 85% of the population by 2030. Regarding the terms of territory coverage, the tender regulation requires coverage with 5G services in the authorized band (part of the spectrum 3.4 GHz - 3.8 GHz), until the end of 2025 in the ports of Durrës, Vlorë, Shengjin, Sarandë, Porto Romano, the airports of Tirana, Kukës and Vlora, the industrial zone Tirana - Durrës and the Hospital Centers of Tirana. Meanwhile, the deadline for the extension of 5G services in all cities of Albania will be 2028./ Monitor.al