The number of subscribers to fixed Internet access services in rural areas increased at a higher pace than of those in urban areas. Last year, this figure in villages rose by 34.1% to 151,900, while in towns by 9.7% to 265,300, said the national ICT regulator (ANRCETI), IPN reports.

The number of subscribers to fixed Internet in Chisinau municipality grew by 17,500, in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia – by 4,800, in the municipality of Balti – by 3,500, while in the districts of Cahul, Ialoveni, Hancesti, and Ungheni – by 2,000. This figure increased the least in Soldanesti, Leova, and Telenesti districts.

The average fixed Internet access penetration rate per 100 households rose by 5.2% on 2011 to 34.8%. In the municipality of Chisinau this rate was 65%, in Balti – 42.8%, while in Gagauzia – 37.6%.

The fixed Internet access penetration rate per 100 people also went up. At the beginning of this year, it was 11.7%. This rate is by 0.96% higher than in Ukraine (10.76% in 2011) and by 3.67% lower than in Romania (15.39% in 2011).

Of the total number of subscribers to fixed Internet access services, 388,700 are private individuals, while 20,600 are legal entities. 63.6% of them live in urban areas. In 2012, a person paid a monthly bill for fixed Internet access services of 131.3 lei, while a legal entity – of 613.7 lei.