KOSOVO - The European Times

KOSOVOTransport & CommunicationsIPKODynamic Telecom Provider Aims toOffer One-Stop Integrated ServicesIPKO won the €75 million tenderfor the second mobile telecom serviceslicense in Kosovo last year, one moresuccess story for this dynamic telecomenterprise. IPKO offers a full rangeof integrated services and contentfor mobile communications, fixedtelephony and the Internet.After only eight years ofoperations, it already servesaround one million customersin Kosovo and is the country’stop telecom investor. IPKO hasalready invested over €200 millionto date in building a cutting-edgeGSM network covering 80% of thecountry, with financial supportfrom the European InvestmentBank. Telekom Slovenia has a63.75% share in the company.CEO Akan Ismaili explains thatIPKO earned a 35% share of themobile services market and wasproviding mobile telecom servicesto over 300,000 customers in lessthan nine months after its launch ofmobile services last year. IPKO is notonly the biggest foreign investmentin Kosovo to date but also Slovenia’sbiggest investment abroad. “Thisshows not only Telekom Slovenia’scommitment to Kosovo but also itsfaith in the potential of the Kosovarmarket,” he says.Mobile telecom penetration inKosovo is currently around 50%and IPKO aims to boost thatpercentage.Akan Ismaili, CEOPrior to mobile, IPKO has heavilyinvested in the fixed network. Nowit operates a fixed network in themain cities and towns of Kosovo,reaching over 150,000 residences.The company also has 52,000broadband subscribers.IPKO’s competitive edge is itswinning combination of state-ofthe-artsolutions, the latest technologies,a wide range of packages,added value services, quality,reliability, security, and solid usersupport 24/7.Reliable telecom service inKosovo and beyondMobile services will be the maindriver of IPKO’s continued growthin Kosovo, but that is not the wholestory. “We want IPKO to become aone-stop shop for integrated telecommunicationsservices,” AkanIsmaili explains, adding that IPKOalso plans to invest in the fibreoptic connections with very highcapacities to regional and internationalhubs. He points out thatthrough Telekom Slovenia, IPKOalready offers reliable telecomconnections throughout Europe.As for the future, Akan Ismailiexplains, “We are here to provideservices, but at the same time weare open minded about any newpartnerships.”He adds, “IPKO is an initiatorof development within Kosovo’stelecom sector. We see ourselvesas setting the standard for doingbusiness successfully in thismarket.”Mother Theresa StreetRTK Building, 5th floorPrishtinaKOSOVOTel.: +381 38 700 010Fax: +381 38 700 001www.ipko.com44