2014 Poland - Telecoms, IP Networks, Digital Media and Forecasts

Poland’s multi-spectrum auction set to improve mobile broadband coverage within three years

Poland’s fixed broadband market is one of the largest in Eastern Europe, mainly attributable to the country’s sizeable population. DSL is the most popular fixed broadband access platform, followed by cable delivered from the country’s well-established cable TV operators. Fixed-line access is also available via FttX, though as yet this is limited to a number of urban areas. Mobile broadband is the most popular platform by subscribers. This has resulted from mobile network operators having invested in infrastructure during the last few years, combined with the greater availability among consumers of sophisticated devices such as tablets and smartphones.

The telecoms incumbent dominates the fixed broadband market although a tougher regulatory regime is improving wholesale market conditions. An emerging internet society is taking shape, encompassing commerce, health and government services. The report profiles Poland’s fixed broadband market, including key market players, technology platforms, market developments, a variety of statistics, and forecasts for fixed broadband penetration to 2020.

Having one of Eastern Europe’s more sizeable markets for digital media and TV services, TV programming in Poland is accessible via cable TV, terrestrial free-to-air, IPTV and satellite. Strong competition exists both between platforms as well as between operators of similar platforms. Given the number of active market players, further consolidation during the next few years is inevitable: the merger between Cyfra+ and n, finalised in 2013, is indicative of continuing market dynamics. Digital TV uptake is improving due to increasing affordability of both TVs and programming. The report profiles Poland’s digital economy and digital TV market, covering market developments and major companies in the broadband, cable, terrestrial and satellite pay TV sectors.

The liberalised telecom market has seen considerable development in the broadband and mobile sectors. The privatised incumbent, recently rebranded as Orange Poland, has benefited from its parent company’s technical experience and know-how in the region. The regulatory environment has been shaped by EU principles designed to facilitate competition, allowing competing operators to enter the market. Recently this extended to opening Orange Poland’s fibre network to access and pricing regulation. The report covers key aspects of Poland’s evolving telecom market, presenting comprehensive data and information on market players, fixed-line networks and technologies, the wholesale market, as well as an overview of key regulatory developments.

The mature mobile market has high penetration, partly the result of multiple SIM card ownership. A core of well-established mobile network operators offer services alongside a growing number of mobile virtual network operators. Market competition suggests that further consolidation is likely in the near future, as has been seen in other markets in recent years. ARPU has stabilised after a period of decline caused by retail tariff competition, and regulatory mandated reductions in mobile termination rates. 4G networks have been launched and coverage is expected to improve markedly following the anticipated multi-spectrum auction, delivering improved mobile broadband services nationally within three years. The report offers a concise overview of Poland’s mobile market, providing profiles of the major operators, covering regulatory and market developments and offering a wealth of statistics.

Data in this report is the latest available at the time of preparation and may not be for the current year