Albania Network Coverage

Albania's telecommunications sector has undergone rapid transformation since the fall of communism in the early 1990s. The sector transitioned from a state monopoly to a competitive market, with the first mobile network launched in 1996 by Albanian Mobile Communications (AMC), which later became Vodafone Albania. The market opened to competition in the late 1990s, with multiple operators entering. The 2000s saw significant investment in infrastructure, with 2G GSM networks providing nationwide coverage. 3G services were launched in the mid-2000s, enabling mobile internet access. The market saw consolidation with the merger of ALBtelecom and ONE Telecommunications in 2017, forming One Albania, which became a major competitor to Vodafone Albania. 4G LTE services were launched in 2014, with coverage expanding rapidly. By 2024, Albania achieved 99.6% 4G coverage, one of the highest rates in the Balkans. The Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) has regulated the sector, ensuring fair competition and promoting infrastructure investment. In November 2024, Albania entered the 5G era when both Vodafone Albania and One Albania launched commercial 5G services. Vodafone Albania launched 5G in Tirana, Durrës, Fier, and Gjirokastër, while One Albania launched in Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, and Shkodër. This marked a significant milestone in Albania's telecommunications development, positioning the country as an early adopter of 5G technology in the region. The rapid deployment of 5G reflects Albania's commitment to digital transformation and modernizing its telecommunications infrastructure.

Albania has a well-developed and competitive mobile market with three main operators: Vodafone Albania, One Albania (formed from the merger of ALBtelecom and ONE Telecommunications), and ALBtelecom. Coverage is extensive, with 4G LTE available to 99.6% of the population, one of the highest coverage rates in the Balkans. 5G services were launched in November 2024 by both Vodafone Albania and One Albania, initially covering major cities including Tirana (the capital), Durrës, Fier, Gjirokastër, Elbasan, Vlorë, and Shkodër. 5G coverage is currently at approximately 25% of the population and expanding. Vodafone Albania has the largest market share and leads in 5G deployment, with coverage in four major cities. One Albania is rapidly expanding its 5G network, covering five major cities. Both operators offer comprehensive 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services. Average 4G speeds are around 38 Mbps, while 5G speeds can reach 200-400 Mbps in optimal conditions. The market is competitive with good network quality and coverage. Mobile penetration exceeds 110%, reflecting high adoption rates. The market is regulated by AKEP, which ensures fair competition and manages spectrum allocation. Albania's telecommunications sector has been one of the most successful industries in the country's post-communist transition, with significant investment in infrastructure and rapid adoption of new technologies.