The number of subscribers to Internet access services in 2016 increased by 23,000 on 2015 to over 557,000, IPN has learned from the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology.

According to the data collected from 83 fixed broadband Internet service providers, the rise in the total number of subscribers was due to the 9% increase in the number of users connected to the networks by FTTx (Fiber to the premises) technology. The number of subscribers connected based on xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology, by coaxial cable (DOCSIS) and based on other technologies decreased.

Statistics show the fixed Internet access penetration rate during a year per 100 people rose by 0.7 percentage points to 15.7%.

Compared with 2015, the total volume of sales on this market segment increased by 5.2% to over 1.1 billion lei. Sun Communications and Moldtelecom reported the highest increases in sales of fixed broadband Internet services.

The sales of Sun Communications grew by 20% to about 58.4 million, while of Moldtelecom by 6.6% to over 714.1 million. The sales of Starnet Solutii fell by 5.7% to 223.4 million lei. The total sales of the other 80 fixed broadband Internet service providers came to 109.3 million lei. As a result, the average monthly revenue per user rose by 0.7 percentage points to 169.4 lei.