Telecommunications in Albania Services and Providers

Albania's telecommunications landscape offers a range of services and providers to cater to different needs and budgets.

Vodafone Albania is one of the largest mobile network operators in the country, providing 4G coverage to over 95% of the population.

The Albanian Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (AKTR) oversees the telecommunications sector, ensuring fair competition and high-quality services.

Mobile operators in Albania offer a variety of plans, including prepaid and postpaid options, with prices starting from around 200 ALL (approximately $1.80 USD) per month for a basic plan.

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Until 1990, Albania was extremely isolated and controlled, and installation and maintenance of a modern system of international and domestic telecommunications was precluded.

Callers previously needed operator assistance even to make domestic long-distance calls.

As of 1992, Albania's telephone density was the lowest in Europe, at 1.4 units for every 100 inhabitants.

Tirana accounted for about 13,000 of the country's 42,000 direct lines; Durrës, the main port city, ranked second with 2,000 lines.

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The rest were concentrated in Shkodër, Elbasan, Vlorë, Gjirokastër, and other towns.

At one time, each village had a telephone but during the land redistribution of the early 1990s peasants knocked out service to about 1,000 villages by removing telephone wire for fencing.

Most of Albania's telephones were obsolete, low-quality East European models, some dating from the 1940s.

Workers at a Tirana factory assembled a small number of telephones from Italian parts.

Albania had 240 microwave circuits carrying international calls to Italy and 180 to Greece.

The Albanian telephone company had also installed two U-20 Italtel digital exchanges.

The exchange in Tirana handled international, national, and local calls; the Durrës exchange handled only local calls.

Two United States firms handled direct-dial calls from the United States to Tirana.

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Internet broadband services were initiated in 2005, but growth has been slow. Internet cafes are popular in Tirana and have started to spread outside the capital.

There are two providers with national coverage in Albania: One Albania and Vodafone Albania. These providers offer internet services to the entire country.

You can also access the internet through satellite broadband provided by Eutelsat, which is being used to offer free public internet access in rural Albanian post offices, schools, and local government offices.

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Radio and television are popular forms of communication in Albania. Radio stations are abundant, with over 1 million radios in use as of 2001.

TV Klan is the broadcaster with the largest audience, according to a 2002 survey. Many Albanians watch Italian and Greek stations via terrestrial reception, highlighting the influence of international media.

The state broadcaster, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSh), operates national radio and television networks. It faces competition from numerous privately owned stations.

Television is the most influential medium in Albania.

Albania's internet infrastructure has made significant strides in recent years, but it still lags behind other countries in terms of accessibility and adoption.

In 2012, Albania had 148,882 fixed broadband subscriptions, ranking 91st in the world, with 5.0% of the population using this service.

Wireless broadband subscriptions have been growing, with 552,676 subscriptions in 2012, placing Albania 90th globally, and 18.4% of the population using this service.

There are two internet service providers with national coverage: One Albania and Vodafone Albania.

Internet cafes are a common sight in Tirana and are starting to spread to other parts of the country.

Here are the top internet service providers in Albania, with national coverage:

Defunct providers include ALBtelecom, Plus, and AMC (part of Cosmote), which ceased operations.

Eutelsat satellite broadband is being used to provide free public internet access in rural areas, including post offices, schools, and local government offices.

Albania has made significant progress in its telecommunications sector, transforming from one of the world's most isolated countries to a hub of mobile phone usage.

There are four major telecommunication operators in Albania: Vodafone, Telekom, Eagle, and Plus Communication. Most of these operators are owned by international companies, except for one Albanian-owned company.

You can choose from these operators to find the best fit for your needs. To make an informed decision, consider factors such as network coverage, speeds, prices, perks, and customer service. For example, Vodafone generally has the widest 4G coverage, but ONE narrowly leads in coverage at 97.6%.

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Here's a quick comparison of the two largest mobile network operators in Albania:

You can purchase SIM cards from these operators through their official stores, online shops, other retailers, or even at airports. Don't forget to check SIM card compatibility with your phone and top-up options at convenience stores.

Albania's calling code is +355, and international call prefixes are 069, 068, and 067.

The country's telecom market has undergone significant changes in recent years, with upgrades made to the fixed-line infrastructure to support broadband services.

Mobile cellular networks are well provided with LTE networks, and operators have invested in 5G. Some of these efforts have been made in conjunction with neighboring Kosovo, aiming for a seamless 5G corridor along the highway connecting the two countries.

The mobile sector is experiencing a decline in fixed-line telephony use and penetration, as subscribers migrate to mobile solutions.

Albania's satellite earth stations are unknown.

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The country has submarine cables providing connectivity to Italy, Croatia, and Greece, as well as the Trans-Balkan Line, a combination submarine and land fiber-optic system between Albania and Italy, providing additional connectivity to Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

Here is a summary of the main types of networks in Albania:

As of October 2023, the two main mobile operators in Albania are ONE and Vodafone. They both offer extensive network coverage, reliable services, and competitive rates.

ONE was formed from a merger in 2023 and delivers voice, data, and messaging plus prepaid/postpaid plans. It narrowly leads in coverage at 96.9% and outpaced competitors in a recent report for speed, experience, and 4G availability – earning several awards.

Vodafone Albania maintains a strong presence as a multinational telecom and offers mobile voice, data, and messaging for consumers and businesses. Its network reaches 96.8% of the population and is regarded highly for performance and customer satisfaction.

Here's a brief comparison of the two main mobile operators in Albania:

In some countries, you can find Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that don't own the wireless network infrastructure. Instead, they lease radio frequency spectrum and network infrastructure from traditional mobile network operators.

Currently, Albania is one of those countries without MVNOs, as of October 2023.

Choosing the best mobile operator in Albania can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. ONE and Vodafone are the two main mobile operators in Albania.

Coverage is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a mobile operator in Albania. Vodafone generally has the widest 4G coverage, but ONE has a slight edge with 96.9% coverage compared to Vodafone's 96.8%. Coverage maps are a great tool to determine which networks service your required locations.

Speed is another important factor, but there's minimal difference between operator speeds. Average download speeds are 30-40Mbps on 4G across Albania's major networks.

Pricing varies significantly between operators, so it's essential to compare plans carefully. Prepaid options are very affordable, while postpaid plans offer better value for higher data use.

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Some operators offer benefits like free music/video streaming, roaming deals, or loyalty programs that may sway your choice. Customer service is also a key factor, and both ONE and Vodafone have a good reputation in this regard.

Here's a brief comparison of the two main mobile operators in Albania:

Ultimately, the best operator for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

You can buy SIM cards from Albania mobile operators through various channels. Official stores are located in most major towns and cities, and you'll need to show your ID to register the SIM purchase.

To purchase a SIM card, you can also visit online shops like Vodafone and ONE, or check out independent phone shops, kiosks, and supermarkets. Major airport branches, such as the one in Tirana, also offer SIM card pickup upon arrival.

If you're planning to buy a SIM card at the airport, make sure to check the compatibility with your phone, as mini, micro, and nano SIMs are widely available.

You can buy SIM cards from Albania's major mobile operators through various channels. Official stores are located in most major towns and cities, and you'll need to bring your ID to register the SIM purchase.

If you prefer to shop online, Vodafone and ONE allow online SIM card orders via their official websites. This can be a convenient option if you're short on time or prefer to avoid crowds.

Independent phone shops, kiosks, and supermarkets also sell SIM cards, offering a range of options. Some of these retailers may not have the same level of customer service as official stores, but they can still provide a convenient and affordable way to get a SIM card.

If you're arriving in Albania, you can even pick up a SIM card at the airport. Major airport branches like Tirana have SIM card availability, and you can take a mini, micro, or nano SIM with you. Top-ups can be purchased from many convenience stores, making it easy to stay connected during your trip.

If you're planning to buy an eSIM, you'll want to know if your 5G operator offers this service. Currently, not all operators have eSIM support, so it's essential to check before making a purchase.

In Albania, for example, Vodafone is the only mobile operator that offers eSIM support, as of late 2019. This means that if you're an iPhone user with an XS or newer model, you can take advantage of eSIM on Vodafone's network.

ONE, another Albanian mobile operator, does not currently support eSIM across its network. This is a good reminder to always check with your operator before buying an eSIM-enabled device.

Here's a quick rundown of the current eSIM availability for 5G operators in Albania:

As more phones add eSIM support, we can expect network operators to expand their services in the future.

Albania has four major mobile phone operators: Vodafone, Telekom, Eagle, and Plus Communication. Most of these operators are owned by international companies.

Vodafone is one of the largest digital companies in the country, with a 4G/4G+ network reaching 1.8 million customers since 2015.

One Albania merged with Albtelecom in January 2023, making it a significant player in the market.

Vodafone Albania controls 52% of the mobile telecommunication market, while One Albania (One + Albtelecom) accounts for 48%.

The two largest advertisers for broadcast media are Vodafone Albania and One Albania, due to their size and market presence.

Vodafone Albania is part of the Vodafone Group Plc, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies.