Bulgaria, situated in Southeast Europe, is characterised by diverse geography from mountainous terrains in the southwest to the lowlands and plains in the northeast, which can pose some challenges for the distribution of technologies and telecommunications infrastructure across the country. With a population of around seven million, Bulgaria's significant urban centres include Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. Connection speed and internet accessibility are notably high in these concentrated urban spaces but less so in remote and rural regions. Recognising this, the Bulgarian government has implemented the "Digital Bulgaria 2025" strategy aiming to enhance digital connectivity across the country, focusing on improving broadband speed and coverage in rural areas. Innovations in technology, like the deployment of 5G networks, are also a key focus, with Sofia becoming a prototype smart city. Also evident is the country's commitment to renewable energy, exemplified by the Kaliakra Wind Farm and the growing solar power industry. Despite these advancements, Bulgaria still faces challenges to ensure an even spread of digital opportunities across all regions.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 3 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
A1 Bulgaria, previously known as Mtel or Mobiltel, is a telecommunications company operating in Bulgaria. It was founded in March 1994 and launched commercially in September 1995 under the brand name Citron. The company saw significant growth after the introduction of prepayment sim cards in 2001, increasing its customer base dramatically. In July 2005, A1 Telekom Austria Group acquired the company, marking one of the largest foreign investments in Austria. The company has been a pioneer in the Bulgarian telecommunications sector, being the first to offer services such as EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA...
VIVACOM, the largest telecommunications company in Bulgaria, was initially a state-owned incumbent operator known as the Bulgarian Telecommunication Company (BTC). The company's history traces back to its time as the primary fixed-line operator in Bulgaria, undergoing a significant transition during the privatisation procedure in 2004 when the Bulgarian government sold 65% of the share capital. In 2005, BTC was granted a license for the development of third-generation mobile telecommunication systems under the UMTS standard, launching its mobile services under the "Vivatel" brand later that...
