Mobile News

Romania now has four mobile networks following the launch of Cosmoron, owned by OTE, in June 2000. The two leading players are MobiFon CONNEX, controlled by TIW, and MobilRom, owned by Orange.

Prepaid is an important market driver in this poor eastern European country. Penetration was over 80% at end-2008, so it is at an early stage of development. A growth rate of 91% and high net adds, over 400,000, in 4Q 2008 bode well for future growth. The majority of the growth is expected to come from the prepaid sector. Relatively basic services, such as voice mail, are available, and users can recharge over their phones.

MobilRom’s ALO is sold as an SIM-based package without a handset, which must be 3brought separately. CONNEX sells a bundled CONNEX GO! package which includes a NOKIA 5110 handset, SIM card with US$5 initial credit, in addition to a user guide, coverage map of the CONNEX network and a reply card to capture user details. Users are offered additional credit of US$3 if all details are filled out. VAS includes voicemail, which is free after 7pm and on weekends.