The landline phones in Albanian families would soon pick up smartphones, which come and add options that make our daily life easier.

In 2017, it was estimated that for every 100 residents, there were 8.4 fixed telephony subscriptions in Albania, marking a decline in recent years. Since 1975, the highest level of subscriptions per 100 inhabitants has been recorded in 2009, where according to data published by Our World in Data portal there were 12.25 subscriptions. However, compared to the region, Albania remains behind with the number of subscriptions, ranking the last.

In the region, Serbia has the highest number of fixed-line subscriptions, with 37.5 subscriptions per 100 people, nearly four times higher than in Albania. Next, Montenegro is ranked with 24.19 subscriptions per 100 people, Bosnia and Herzegovina with 21.65 and Macedonia with 17.34.

All countries in the region have a higher number of subscribers than the world average of 13.15 subscribers, while Albania is still far from this.

Unlike fixed telephony, the number of subscriptions for cell phones was 119.38 per 100 inhabitants, ranking third in the region. First place is Montenegro with 166.10, followed by Serbia with 124.06. All three countries have a world-wide average rating of 104.49.

Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina respectively have 101.86 and 98.09 per 100 inhabitants.

Balkan citizens will have cheaper roaming prices

Already, the use of phones by the citizens of the Western Balkans will be cheaper.

The Regional Co-operation Council (RCC) reported that since July 1, call rates throughout the Western Balkans have dropped significantly, where citizens of these countries will be able to talk, search the Internet, send SMSs much more pay much less.

According to the RCC, on average, the prices for outgoing calls have dropped by 65%, while for the Internet up to 78%, while in some cases these discounts go up to 99%.

Prices for June 30 for outgoing calls by Kosovar operators were â?¬ 1.75 per minute, for received calls â?¬ 0.50, for SMS 0.30 euros, while Internet price (date) was â?¬ 2 per MB.

Whereas, with the latest agreement, starting on July 1, outgoing calls will cost 0.15 euros or 91% reduction, introductory 0.047 euros or 90 percent decrease, an SMS will cost 0.04 euros or 85 percent, while an MB internet will cost only 0.04 euros, or decrease 98%

Source: Monitor