The Internet access services market in 2012 continued to develop, especially as regards the Internet access at mobile points, IPN reports, quoting the national ICT regulator ANRCETI.

According to the reports presented by providers of Internet access services, the number of new users of mobile Internet, through modems and data cards, rose by 53,600 (43%) during a year to 178,500. The number of those who accessed the Internet through mobile phones and smart phones exceeded 1.3 million.

The subscribers to Internet access services in the period grew in number by 62,000 (17.5%) to 417,200.

388,700 of the subscribers to Internet access services at fixed points are private individuals, while 20,600 are legal entities. 265,300 (63.6%) of the subscribers live in urban areas.

The Internet access penetration rate per 100 people exceeded 11.7%. On January 1, 2012, the average rate in the CIS was 9.3%, while in Europe – 24.8%

There were 58 operators working on the market of Internet access services at fixed points last year. At the end of 2012, SA Moldtelecom had a market share of 69.8%, SRL Starnet of 14.9%, while SA Orange Moldova of 3.5%. The other 55 operators had a market share of 11.8% together.