ZAGREB, 7 January 2016 – Several days ago the internet service “Netfilx” became available in Croatia. Netflix is the so-called OTT (eng. Over The Top) Internet service provider offering to is users video content, such as films, series and documentaries, on demand and for a monthly fee. The minimum download speed for this Internet service is 0.5 Mbit/s, while the recommended download speed is 3 Mbit/s for standard definition (SD) and 5 Mbit/s high definition (HD).
HAKOM expects that this and other similar services will contribute to further development of the Croatian electronic communications market and to its users because it will increase the number of broadband services and offers interesting for all users which will in the end result in greater demand for high-speed broadband internet access, regardless of the Internet access technology. This has been recognized as one of the challenges on the Croatian market the overcoming of which makes the Croatian market more interesting to other providers of internet content thus opening the door to other services as well.
The precondition for market development, besides competition, is progress in the entire broadband system: increased availability and speed of broadband access in both fixed and mobile communications networks, increased availability of interesting content (such as “Netflix”), digitalization of business operations in Croatia and development of e-trade in general and of e-services, as well as the development of appropriate ICT skills of all Croatian citizens.
For that reason HAKOM welcomes the inclusion of the Croatian market into the business scope of the above-mentioned internet service and will support operators’ investments and promote competition with a view to making this service and other similar services available to as many citizens and possible. This is an opportunity to stimulate the building and development of next generation networks (NGN) with the support from the EU development funds, in particular in rural areas lacking sufficient commercial interest of operators, which is primarily provided to local self-government. In this manner high-speed broadband service would be available to more users thus decreasing the “digital gap” between urban and rural areas of the Republic of Croatia.
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For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Roberta Frangeša Mihanovića 9
10110 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70
Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website:
Registration required.
ABOUT HAKOM: HAKOM (www.hakom.hr) - Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary competencies in market regulation.
