New Market Research Report: Czech Republic Telecommunications Report Q2 2013

New Fixed Networks research report from Business Monitor International is now available from Fast Market Research

by Bill Thompson

(WireNews+Co) - Boston, MA - 18 March 2013

BMI View: The Czech Republic telecoms market contains a number of major international players such as Telefonica O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone in mobile, and Telefonica and UPC in wireline. The market has been under many of the same pressures as markets throughout the region with market saturation, regulatory factors such as cuts to mobile termination rates and the impact of the eurozone crisis on macroeconomic performance acting as drags on performance. However, while subscription growth may have slowed significant opportunities remain, not least in the booming wireless data market and VAS opportunities arising from the rapid proliferation of smartphone ownership.

Key Data:

- The Czech Republic moved into first position in BMI's Risk/Rewards Ratings for Central and Eastern Europe in Q2 2013, narrowly ahead of Turkey and Poland.
- We have upgraded our subscription growth forecast for the mobile market in this update as a consequence of the launch of the first MVNO in Q412, with more expected in 2013, which will drive growth through heightened price competition.
- The broadband market forecast saw a downward revision in response to lower than expected net additions from the leading wireline operators. This could represent the beginning of a lower growth trajectory as wireless data services become increasingly competitive in terms of speeds.

View Full Report Details and Table of Contents (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/541179_czech_republic_telecommunications_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201) (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/541179_czech_republic_telecommunications_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201)

Key Trends And Developments

The CTU's spectrum auction (800MHz, 1,800MHz and 2,600MHz frequencies) has hit a stumbling block and is currently delayed - with no official explanation. Results had been expected in late December 2012. It has been reported that the delay could be based on the hesitancy of PPF Mobile to invest in spectrum, as it is unsure of getting a return on investment. This is despite the CTU pushing for national roaming agreements, cutting the cost of spectrum in the 1,800MHz band. It has since been rumoured in the local press that parent investment group PPF is actually now targeting the acquisition of telecoms incumbent Telefonica O2 CR. At the time of writing, the delayed spectrum auction and potential acquisition remained subject to great uncertainty.

The CTU had been pushing for a fourth operator as a means of promoting competition, and, while its plans have been disrupted, heightened competition in mobile services will arise from other areas. In December 2012 Air Telecom acquired MobilKom, which operates the U:fon brand, for a reported fee of CZK21mn (US$672,000). U:fon had previously been the subject of insolvency proceedings with debts of CZK2bn.

Fast Market Research (http://www.fastmr.com?afid=201) is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff will help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget.  For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.