WORLDWIDE MARKET RESEARCH REPORT - CISE

EC/IST FP6 Project No 026920
Work Package: 6
Type of document: Report
Date: 20.12.2007
File name: OP_WP6_D37_V1.0.doc Version: 1.0
Title: Worldwide Market Research Report 124 / 356
these difficulties, and increased competition has forced the Czech telecommunications
company, STP Telecom, to improve its service. Internet cafes are readily available, and the
Czech government has taken steps to promote increased public computer and internet
technologies.
Estonia
The telecommunications market in Estonia is among the most liberalized in Eastern Europe.
In 1998 a 49% stake in the state-held Eesti Telekom was sold to a consortium of state-
controlled Telia (Sweden) and Sonera (Finland), and the government was considering selling
the remainder of its stake in the company. Modern phone lines extend throughout Estonia.
There are 3 mobile phone service providers: Eesti Mobiiltelefon (a subsidiary of Eesti
Telekom), Radiolinja Eesti (a subsidiary of Finland's Radiolinja), and Ritabell (a joint venture
between the British Millicom International and local Levi-com). Estonia has the highest
number of mobile phone users per capita in Central and Eastern Europe. Eesti Telefon, the
fixed line division of Eesti Telekom, had a monopoly in domestic and international fixed line
calls until 2001. Estonia has one of the highest numbers of internet subscribers in Eastern
Europe, and the government intends to provide all schools with internet access.
Greece
I Greece, communications are modern. The country's telephone system is adequate, with
networks reaching all areas for main telephone lines and mobile cellular phones. Most
telephone calls are carried by microwave radio relay. Underwater cables transmit calls to the
Greek islands. Computers and communications are increasing in popularity and availability.
During the 1980s, the government dissolved its monopoly on radio and televisions stations.
Many private television and radio stations emerged, as well as European satellite channels.
By early 2001, however, the Greek government moved to shut down dozens of the popular
privately-owned radio stations, saying that their proximity to the new Athens airport could
cause radio interference. The announcement was widely condemned by opposition parties
and media unions, as well as large numbers of loyal listeners.