FTTx technology is now used in almost two-thirds of fixed broadband connections in Moldova.
Data published by the regulator ANRCETI shows that as of the end of 2017 the number of users connected to a fibre-optic network stood at over 347,600, or 10.3% more than a year earlier. At the same time, the number of cable connections was over 41,700 (+8.2%) and those employing xDSL 192,700 (-4.4%).
FTTx claimed a 59.5% share and was followed by xDSL (33%), cable (7.1%) and other technologies (0.4%). All told, there were 584,300 fixed broadband internet subscribers in the country as of the end of 2017, or 5% more than a year earlier, with the penetration rate per 100 inhabitants being 16.5% (+0.8 pp).
The strongest growth in take-up was seen in those receiving access speeds of 100Mbps, with the number increasing by 23% to around 40,000.
Total revenues of the 80 active broadband service providers in 2017 amounted to over MDL1.209 billion (€58.3 million), with the strongest growth recorded by Starnet (10.8%), Moldtelecom (9.4%) and Sun Communications (6.6%). ARPU rose by 4.4% during the year to reach MDL177.
Market share in revenue terms was little changed on 2016, with Moldtelecom claiming 64.6%, Starnet 20.7%, Sun Communications 5.1% and the remaining 77 suppliers a combined 9.6%.