March the 13th, 2022 - Hrvatski Telekom/Croatian Telecom (HT) and Nokia were among the first in the entire world to test advanced 25G PON optical technology in the HT Rijeka lab.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, this is the latest generation of optical network, which increases the speed of download and transmission to unprecedented levels, and with this test, the Rijeka lab measured a speed of 20 gigabits per second.

25G PON technology is otherwise ten times faster than GPON technology, which was enabled by HT for the first time with gigabit broadband access back in 2007, then again but two and a half times faster than XGS-PON technology which was applicable within the HT network from 2021.

The equipment currently used by Hrvatski Telekom is ready for 25G PON, which means that it isn't necessary to make any further adjustments to the main systems in order to realise its commercial availability.

The biggest advantages of 25G PON optics are large capacities, cost optimisation, a generally wider application and a simple introduction into the existing HT optical network, and its application will accelerate the introduction and development of advanced high-performance solutions such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

"Ten years ago, a piece of technology was launched that enabled the transition to HDTV without which many of us wouldn't be able to imagine everyday life now, and today the 25G PON optical network is making history at speeds 200 times faster than that. By testing 25G PON optics and being among the first in the world to do so at the Rijeka lab, Hrvatski Telekom is highlighting its commitment to establishing and maintaining the best user experience through monitoring and introducing some of the world's most modern technological trends,'' said Ivan Uremovic, the director of Strategy and Planning of Access Networks.

Hrvatski Telekom is otherwise one of the first companies from the Deutsche Telekom Group to test out Nokia's broadband 25G PON optics.

Manfred Egger, head of Fixed Access Network Development for Deutsche Telekom and Central Europe at Nokia, said:

“25G PON works flawlessly on the same hardware with existing GPON and XGS-PON broadband technologies. We're very proud to have successfully completed this important test, which confirms the ease with which communication service providers can expand their scope and capacity of broadband access.''

Back in 2021, Hrvatski Telekom increased its fixed network with a record introduction of optics for a new 100,000 households and companies, and the total FTTH coverage increased by 30 percent compared to last year. In that same year, HT was also awarded Umlaut's "Best in Test" award for the best fixed network.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

August the 13th, 2021 - As has unofficially been learned, the very first Dubrovnik 5G network has been set up and put into function by Croatian Telecom, bringing Croatia's southernmost city in line with the most advanced of Internet speeds.

As Dubrovacki Dnevnik writes, according to unofficial information available to the previously linked Dubrovnik daily, the first Dubrovnik 5G network was launched in four locations - in the Gruz business zone, on Ilijina Glavica, around the Rixos Libertas hotel and in Mokosica. The Dubrovnik daily tested out the new 5G network that allows for a huge speed of almost 1000 mbps in two of those locations - Ilijina Glavica and at the Rixos Libertas hotel. Of course, a prerequisite for use is the possession of a device or mobile phone that supports 5G.

The first Dubrovnik 5G network represents huge opportunities for Dubrovnik's local economy and perspective.

The fact that Croatian Telecom was the first to launch the Dubrovnik 5G network also shows that it is an infrastructural precondition for the development of the area of Dubrovnik in the direction of a smart city, which is often mentioned in the city as one of its priority goals. Of course, this is an opportunity for the further development of sustainable tourism, especially in the perspective of digital nomadism and the city's commitment to be a centre of digital nomad tourism. In addition to all of the above, this step also represents a kind of path towards the further improvement of Dubrovnik's local economy and the opening up of opportunities for the development of the IT sector in Dubrovnik.

It should be noted that after the public auction procedure and the investment of 130 million kuna for the new radio frequency spectrum, Croatian Telecom was assigned a 2x10 MHz block at the national level in the 700 MHz frequency band, 12 10 MHz blocks in the 3.6 GHz frequency band (total 120 MHz), and in the 26 GHz frequency band, 2 blocks of 200 MHz (400 MHz in total). Licenses for the use of radio frequency spectrum are granted for a period of fifteen years.

The new 5G network means higher speeds for half a million inhabitants, including the people of Dubrovnik.

Croatian Telecom recently announced that it now provides coverage of two million inhabitants through 600 5G base stations. At the same time, as many as 149 or every fourth base station operates at 3.6 GHz, which means that they are in the area of ​​12 cities; in Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Dubrovnik, Karlovac, Pula, Slavonski Brod, Sibenik, Varazdin, Velika Gorica and Zadar, and even higher speeds were provided for half a million inhabitants.

Ensuring the largest share of the 5G spectrum, Croatian Telecom's network is ready for all of the future requirements in terms of capacity, high speed and low latency, both in the private user and industrial segment. It will enable the use of the 5G network on all three frequency bands: 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz, thus continuing to set industry standards and enable the application of new technologies with the aim of stimulating economic growth and social progress. Healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, tourism, transport, smart city development and Industry 4.0 are just some of the areas that the implementation of the 5G network will significantly improve.

To all of its customers, in certain tariffs in the period until September the 30th, 2021, Croatian Telecom will offer (without any additional costs) the possibility of using the 5G network for which it is necessary to be in the area of ​​5G network coverage and have a compatible 5G device. According to the plan, enabling the use of the 5G network on new frequencies has already begun and is being implemented gradually through tariffs. It is envisaged that the benefits of the new frequencies during August will become available to all users who were involved in the promo period of using 5G via DSS technology.

For more, follow our lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, 23 April, 2021 - The Croatian Telecom (HT) telecommunications company's General Assembly on Friday decided that it would pay its shareholders a dividend of HRK 8 per share of its 2020 profit.

The assembly determined that HT generated a net profit of  HRK 703.8 million in 2020 and that of that amount HRK 641.9 million shall be paid out as dividend to shareholders, in the amount of HRK 8.00 per share.

Part of the net profit or HRK 61.9 million shall be allocated as retained earnings.

The dividend will be paid out to all shareholders that are registered at the Central Depository & Clearing Company (SKDD) on 6 May 2021.

The dividend will be paid on 17 May 2021.

(€1 = HRK 7.572279)

For more about business in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 2nd of November, 2020, Ookla, a global leader in applications, data and analysis for fixed broadband and mobile network testing, has recognised Hrvatski Telekom/Croatian Telecom mobile network as one of the ten fastest mobile networks in the world in the year 2020.

This impressive ranking of the Croatian Telecom mobile network is based on Ookla’s analysis of millions of tests run by users across each network to test Internet speed using a variety of applications on the web and mobile platforms. Speedtest awards for leading network providers are determined using a Speed ​​Score tool that includes measuring the network speed of each service provider (download and transfer) to rank network speed performance.

Back in July, for the second year in a row, Croatin Telecom received as many as two Ookla awards - for the fastest mobile network in the Republic of Croatia and for the best mobile coverage. In addition to that, Croatian Telecom also received the award for the best mobile network and for the best broadband coverage based on an international analysis conducted by umlaut (formerly P3).

This year, the Croatian company was the first in all of Croatia to start commercial operation of the 5G network, which is the foundation of the future technological development of the economy and society. The commercial 5G network is based on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology, the application of which enables the current use of existing frequencies for 5G. Dynamic spectrum sharing technology enables the rapid implementation of a 5G network and reduces the need for new base stations and locations on specific 5G frequencies.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

ZAGREB, October 29, 2020 - Hrvatski Telekom (HT) on Thursday rolled out a 5G network in Croatia, the first company to do so, initially covering Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, Osijek, Samobor and Sveta Nedelja.

With 5G, HT is building a network of the future that will enable the connectivity and automation of a large number of sensors, industrial devices, autonomous vehicles, drones, as well as further advances in telemedicine, the company said in a press release.

CEO Kostas Nebis said that the commercial start of the 5G network was a milestone for the company and for the entire telecommunications industry in the country, because the 5G network would open up opportunities for innovations that would boost economic and social development.

The rollout of the 5G network is a continuation of activities on the construction of the network of the future which HT began to implement and test in March 2019.

ZAGREB, Sept 29, 2020 - Due to technical glitches the Hrvatski Telekom (HT) telecommunications provider is experiencing technical problems with its landline and mobile phone networks, which is  also preventing access to the 112 emergency line.

HT told Hina that a little before 10.30 a.m. occasional disruptions were recorded with fixed and mobile voice calls due to problems in signal nodes.

"All our experts have been mobilised and we are cooperating with suppliers in removing the disruptions and expect telecommunications to be up and running as soon as possible," HT said.

Currently the 112 emergency line is inaccessible so calls for emergency medical services, firefighters, police, mountain rescue, accident assistance, search and rescue on the sea and other utility emergency services are out of contact.

The civil protection directorate confirmed that technical problems have occurred with its web site due to the technical problems being experienced with the HT network and that the 112 emergency line is inaccessible.

Citizens can be connected to the 112 emergency line by using the following numbers: 01 3650 065 and 01 3650 066.

Zagreb City authorities informed that all fixed landlines for Zagreb's emergency services are inaccessible - firefighters and medical emergency services.

A free phone has been established for Zagreb residents and they can reach emergency services by calling 0800 818 919.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

As Novac writes on the 1st of September, 2020, with the aim of improving the user experience and providing an even better service, Hrvatski Telekom/Croatian Telecom has opened another new multimedia store on Ibler's Square (Iblerov trg) in Zagreb. Croatian Telecom has thus converted as many as 26 traditional T-Centres into modern stores according to the highest standards.

The T-Centre on Ibler's Square is divided into several functional units and is fully adapted to all users of Croatian Telecom's services. With all of the standard features, members of Generation Z and all those who feel that way can get acquainted with all the services offered by the bonbon brand in the first specialised zone within the T point of sale.

On the smart devices in the bonbon zone, visitors have access to music albums by Billie Eilish, multiple Grammy Award winners and global activists in the field of spreading digital optimism. Ibler's Square's T-Centre is also adorned with a so-called chill zone where users, when surfing the leading network, can try out new functionalities on the smart devices on display there.

Employees and the space of the T-Centre on Ibler's Square are equipped in accordance with all of the current epidemiological recommendations, and environmentally conscious landscaping with the already recognisable green wall in the newly decorated area provides an even more pleasant atmosphere when getting better acquainted with the company's impressively wide portfolio of products.

''Our customers deserve the best service, and its integral part are highly functional modern points of sale, designed and organised in such a way so as to ensure a flawless user experience and offer varied content. Our T-Centre on Ibler's Square is a space that combines technological innovations and all of the benefits of a physical branch and we're proud that it's equipped according to the model of the most modern European multimedia stores. With this opening, we're showing that even in challenging times, we're continuing to invest in our offer and in the provision of an even better service,'' said Maja Zunic of Croatian Telecom.

For more, follow our business section.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

As Novac writes on the 3rd of August, 2020, Croatian Telecom/Hrvatski Telekom provided the citizens of Sisak and the residents of the municipalities of both Ražanac and Posedarje with free internet in areas where public gatherings take place. They are part of the cities and municipalities that were awarded a voucher in the amount of 15,000 euros as part of the WiFi4EU initiative, after which they chose Croatian Telecom as the best contractor to provide public free WiFi internet for their citizens.

As part of the WiFi4EU initiative, the European Commission is launching projects co-financing high-quality free internet access for citizens in public places such as parks, squares, public buildings, libraries and museums.

In the area of ​​the city of Sisak, thirteen WiFi connection points have been installed, which have been successfully connected and integrated with the city's telecommunications network and cover the locations of the newly renovated city skating rink ''Zibel'' and the city pool, Caprag, a central summer gathering place for local residents. The project provoked extremely positive reactions from citizens, on which occasion, Mayor Kristina Ikić Baniček stated: "Our goal is to facilitate access to Internet services in public spaces and improve digital connectivity in the city of Sisak."

Access to free public internet was realised at the beginning of summer in well-known tourist destinations in the vicinity of Zadar. In the municipality of Posedarje, free WiFi internet access was launched in early June at several locations including Punta beach, Sveti Duh beach, the building of the Posedarje Tourist Board and the Podvrtline car park. Access points have been set up in the nearby municipality of Ražanac, where there are nine external and two internal access points which work to cover the locations of the Municipality building, the square in front of the Municipality, the National Library, Riva (waterfront) and the Vlaški kraj, Pisak, Pježavac and Puntica beaches.

Due to the specific weather conditions in the local climate, the municipality of Ražanac has invested additional funds of its own that will ensure the functioning of the network throughout the year. "With this project, we've covered the most frequented places in the Ražanac area and we're sure that our locals and their guests will be satisfied. The project team of Croatian Telecom has really done an excellent job and all of our wishes and ambitions have been entirely fulfilled,'' said Nikola Miletić, Mayor of Ražanac.

Otherwise, Croatian Telecom is the largest private investor in the Republic of Croatia, which has been continuously investing in the quality and development of its mobile and fixed network infrastructure for years.

"We're proud that cities and municipalities recognise us as a reliable technological partner, which will provide their citizens with the best experience of using the public and free internet. We're continuing to digitise Croatia by providing access to quality internet to as many citizens as possible, which means investing in the development of optical infrastructure, WiFi access points and the mobile network,'' said Nikola Brebric, manager for the development of ICT business solutions at Croatian Telecom.

For more, follow our lifestyle section.

As Bernard Ivezic/Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 24th of June, 2020, Croatian Telecom (Hrvatski Telekom) has contracted four years of exclusivity with Ericsson Nikola Tesla to build its future 5G network.

Currently, not all of the preconditions have been created for construction, not only in the form of permits but also free frequencies and the spread of devices that could support the new network. Alas, construction is expected to begin next year, when telecommunications regulator Hakom has announced a tender for 5G.

The value of the contract has not yet been announced. Kostas Nebis, President of the Management Board of Croatian Telecom, has emphasised that this is the first 5G contract in the Republic of Croatia and that Ericsson NT has become the exclusive supplier of the radio part of the mobile network until the year 2024.

"Cooperation with ENT is the latest example of our support to the economy and society, by which we're continuing to invest in the network and we're connecting everything in Croatia with the possibilities of digitalisation," said Nebis.

He added that they are continuing their cooperation on the modernisation of the radio part of the network. In the last two years, Croatian Telecom has directed the whole part towards the introduction of the 5G standard. In addition to the modernisation of the mobile network, they have worked on pilot projects for 5G in the frequency band 3.5GHz to 100 MHz on Krk, Samobor and in the City of Zagreb.

As part of the pilot project, the operator achieved data transfer speeds of 1Gbps in downloading data from the network and 58.2 Mbps in sending data to the network. Boris Drilo of Croatian Telecom stated back in February this year that their mobile infrastructure is now fully modernised and ready for the implementation of 5G.

Gordana Kovacevic, President of the Management Board of Ericsson NT, says that she is extremely pleased that after the first demonstration of 5G technology two years ago, they have now finalised it all by signing the first 5G contract here in Croatia.

"Ericsson has so far launched forty 5G networks on four continents, and I'm proud that as many as 1,500 of our 3,200 employees in Croatia are making a significant contribution to the development of new 5G network functionality within Ericsson's global R&D community," concluded Kovacevic.

For more on Croatian Telecom and 5G in Croatia, follow our lifestyle page.

ZAGREB, May 16, 2018 – Croatian Telekom (HT) on Tuesday denied allegations of business irregularities and causing damage to the company, shareholders and state budget, responding to claims by the chairman of the parliamentary National Council for Monitoring Anti-Corruption Strategy Implementation Željko Jovanović regarding the purchase of Deutsche Telekom bonds worth 125 million euro.