Esis extension / CEEC / Alternative Networks / Synthesis of Update Reports

In most of Central and Eastern European countries alternative networks are still only partially liberalised (see Synthesis of Master reports):

	Regulatory status	Players	On-going developments
Bulgaria	- According to the 1998 telecommunications law, alternative infrastructures are liberalised for cable TV networks, mobile networks, VSAT, Internet access, data networks for closed users groups. - Leased lines remain under the monopoly of BTC.	- Key players are Internet Services Providers (more than 170). They use leased lines or frame relay services from BTC - Several cable TV operators offer internet services. - Competition is few developed in other areas.	Full liberalisation : January 1^st 2003.
Czech Republic	Alternative infrastructures liberalisation is very advanced. In line with EU directives, AI are liberalised (including leased lines) since 1998 for the provision of all services excluding basic voice services.	Most of licences were issued in the field of Internet access, leasing of circuits and VS AT services provision.	- Full liberalisation : January 1^st 2001. - Nevertheless, as in other Eastern or Mediterranean countries, new operators seek to bypass historical operator monopoly, providing voice on IP services. In 1998, Radiomobil launched a new long distance service based on Internet Telephony.
Hungary	Alternative infrastructures are liberalised except for the provision of basic voice services.	- New entrants are very active. - Important participation of foreign capitals and national utilities. - Among key players: * PanTel, partly owned by the dutch operator KPN, and the hungarian operators Mav and Mov, is implementing a national network in order to provide Internet based voice and data services. * the American cable company UPC is the largest cable TV operator in Hungary, * Fibernet, founded by the investment fund of American insurance company Prudential announced plans to develop cable TV services as well as Internet and phone services later on. * etc	Full liberalisation : January 1^st 2002.
FYR of Macedonia	The market is quasi totally closed. According to the 1998 telecommunications law, Makedonski Telekomunikacii retains a monopoly position for the provision of nearly all services and infrastructures (voices, data, Internet, mobile). - Private telecommunications networks are authorised for closed users groups.	Macedonian Railway, and Electric Power Company of Macedonia are up-grading their network.	Full liberalisation : January 1^st 2006.