OREANDA-NEWS. On April 03, 2008 as it was informed in the press service of NARTI, it is predicted in the report of the agency, prepared on the basis of data provided by the suppliers.

The forecast is based on the fact that over the last two years this market is quickly developing.

Thus, in 2007 the number of clients grew by 85,3% and exceeded 729,4 thousand; 674,8 thousand of which are mobile Internet users and the rest 54,7 thousand- users of fixed Internet access, accessing Internet through dial-up and broadband technologies (with the speed exceeding 128 K B / s).

At the same time, in 2007 the total number of connections to Internet, including mobile Internet through GPRS technology, more than doubled and reached 1 million 6,7 thousand.

The number of broadband connections increased by 116,4% and exceeded 47,1 thousand. More than 78% of broadband connections were carried out by ADSL technology. It is noted that despite the fact that the number of broadband connections has doubled last year, the level of penetration of these services per one hundred inhabitants of the country (1,38%) is very low, as compared to EU countries (20%).

According to the experts of the Agency, the situation is stipulated by the lack of effective competition at the market of broadband Internet access, especially in the regions. According to the experts of NARTI, the situation can be changed by increasing the competitiveness of the market, increasing possibilities of access of Internet operators to the network and infrastructure of “MOLDTELECOM".

They also discuss the necessity to expand the use of ADSL technology in rural areas, promote alternative technologies such as Internet via cable TV, WiMAX, FTTx, which will reduce digital gap between urban and rural areas. In 2007, 41 companies were engaged at this segment of the market. Sales of the company amounted to 226,3 million leis or 17% more than in 2006. The first three positions at the market belong to "MOLDTELECOM" (48%), "Telemedia Group" - 11% and STARNET "- 10%.