Transformative Shifts: Albanian Mobile Market Adapts as Calls Decline and Internet Soars

Explore the dynamic changes in Albania's mobile market as it witnesses a decrease in call consumption but a surge in internet usage. Dive into the statistics and trends shaping the preferences of over 3 million mobile subscribers in this revealing report.

Introduction:

In a seismic transformation within Albania's mobile landscape, the year 2023 ushered in an unexpected twist—shrinking from three to two operators. Amid this evolution, a noteworthy anomaly emerged in the number of SIM cards circulating the market. As the Albanian Electronic Communications Authority (AKEP) discloses, the quarter ending in September 2023 saw a surge in both the number of subscribers and active mobile phone users. However, this surge was not mirrored in call and SMS consumption. Join us as we dissect the statistics, unraveling the paradoxical trends shaping the communication habits of over 3 million mobile users.

The Rising Tide: Subscribers and Active Users

A Flourishing Subscriber Base

Despite the reduction in mobile operators, the number of SIM cards in circulation experienced an upward trajectory. AKEP's report indicates a 3.4% increase in subscribers during Q3 2023, totaling around 3,936,490—a notable surge compared to the previous quarter and Q3 2022.

Active Mobile Users on the Ascent

The number of active mobile phone users mirrors this growth, reaching approximately 3 million during Q3 2023. This signifies a remarkable 9.6% surge from Q2 2023 and a 4.6% increase from the same quarter in the previous year.

Communication Dynamics: Calls and SMS

Disparity in Call Consumption

The surge in SIM cards and active users is juxtaposed against a decline in call consumption. Outgoing calls in Q3 2023 amounted to around 1.1 billion minutes—a 1.2% increase from the previous quarter but a substantial 12.5% decrease compared to Q3 2022.

Shifting Patterns: On-net and Off-net Calls

The dynamics of on-net and off-net calls reveal intriguing patterns. Off-net calls increased by 2.3% from Q2 2023 but plummeted by 21.6% compared to Q3 2022. On-net calls, on the other hand, saw a marginal 0.3% increase from Q2 2023 but dipped by 5.9% compared to the previous year. The proportion of on-net/off-net calls also experienced a shift, with Q3 2023 reflecting a ratio of 60%/38%, compared to 56%/42% in Q3 2022.

Changing Habits: Average Consumption

The Preference for Data

The average monthly consumption per active user during Q3 2023 portrays shifting habits. With 124 outgoing minutes, 10 SMS, and 7.94 GB of internet usage, subscribers showcase a clear preference for data-centric communication. Notably, average call consumption witnessed a 7.6% decrease, while SMS consumption plummeted by 20.4%. In contrast, internet consumption soared by 8.6%, reflecting a pivot towards communication platforms that prioritize social networks over traditional calls and SMS.

In conclusion, the Albanian mobile market is witnessing a metamorphosis in communication preferences. As the number of subscribers and active users climbs, the decline in traditional calls signals a paradigm shift towards data-centric communication. This evolution, marked by the rise of internet consumption, underscores a dynamic landscape where subscribers embrace new modes of connection in the digital age.