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(→‎4G packages: updates Kosovo)
Tags: Visual edit apiedit
(→‎Basics: updates)
Tags: Visual edit apiedit
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Serbia and Kosovo have signed an agreement in August 2015 to normalize relations between the two nations. Under the agreement, Kosovo will be allocated its own international dialling code (+383), whilst Serbian Telekom (brand: MTS) will be allowed to operate (possibly as a MVNO) within Kosovo.
 
Serbia and Kosovo have signed an agreement in August 2015 to normalize relations between the two nations. Under the agreement, Kosovo will be allocated its own international dialling code (+383), whilst Serbian Telekom (brand: MTS) will be allowed to operate (possibly as a MVNO) within Kosovo.
   
In 2009 the first MVNOs appeared in Kosovo: '''ID3''' and uses IPKO's network. The second '''Z Mobile''', uses Vala's network. Both can't be recommended for visitors at the moment
+
In 2009 the first MVNOs appeared in Kosovo: '''ID3''' and '''Zog mobile''' use IPKO's network. The third '''Z Mobile''', uses Vala's network. They can't be recommended for visitors at the moment.
   
 
=='''IPKO'''==
 
=='''IPKO'''==
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===='''Start-up and availablility'''====
 
===='''Start-up and availablility'''====
   
The SIM card cost 5.04 Euro, which include 3 Euro credit at their [http://www.ipko.com/en/points-of-sale/dyqanet/prishtine points of sale]. Their 4G/LTE enabled SIM contains 4 GB instead.
+
The SIM card cost 5.04 , which include 3 credit at their [http://www.ipko.com/en/points-of-sale/dyqanet/prishtine points of sale]. Their 4G/LTE enabled SIM contains 4 GB instead.
   
Top up vouchers are available for 5 EUR - 90 days, 10 EUR - 180 days and 20 EUR - 330 days. To refill, type *123*<16-digit code>#. There is electronic refill too.
+
Top up vouchers are available for 5 - 90 days, 10 - 180 days and 20 - 330 days. To refill, type *123*<16-digit code>#. There is electronic refill too.
   
 
===='''Default data rate'''====
 
===='''Default data rate'''====
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d3 Mobile is a MVNO on the IPKO network with a very low penetration of below 0.1%. SIM cards and top-ups may be available at their [http://www.d3-mobile.com/?id=29 points of sale]. Data is charged with a default rate of 0.20 EUR for the first 100 KB and 0.01 EUR for every 10 KB. There are no data packages. It's not recommended.
 
d3 Mobile is a MVNO on the IPKO network with a very low penetration of below 0.1%. SIM cards and top-ups may be available at their [http://www.d3-mobile.com/?id=29 points of sale]. Data is charged with a default rate of 0.20 EUR for the first 100 KB and 0.01 EUR for every 10 KB. There are no data packages. It's not recommended.
 
* APN: d3gprs
 
* APN: d3gprs
  +
  +
==== '''Zog Mobile''' ====
  +
[[File:Zog.jpg|thumb|179x179px]]
  +
Zog mobile is another MVNO on the IPKO network. SIM cards are sold for € 1 in their shops and [http://www.zogmobile.com/kontakti.html points of sale] . Data is activated calling by code: *800*1# and 1 for activation followed by 1 for mobile internet. Activation costs 50 cents. For data the first 100 KB costs 21 cents and after this for each 10 KB 0.01 cent. There are no data packages.
  +
 
=='''Vala''' (by PTK)==
 
=='''Vala''' (by PTK)==
   

Revision as of 00:00, 2 April 2016

Basics

Kosovo has two mobile GSM networks, both of them still with "foreign" international prefixes, making it quite a unique case in the GSM World market:

  • IPKO
  • Vala

Due of the present political situation, Kosovo does not have its own international prefix code. So landline numbers still use the +381 Serbian code, while the two mobile operators use +377 Monaco prefix (for Vala) and +386 Slovenian one (for IPKO).

2G GSM is on 900 MHz, 3G coverage is still limited on 2100 MHz and 4G/LTE has been started on IPKO in Pristina on 1800 MHz only, but are not available yet, according to the regulator. Networks are still limited across the country since speeds vary a lot and the infrastructure is not upgraded to support fast mobile internet nor the vast amount of users.

Telenor and Telekom Srbija (both Serbian operators) used to have own coverage in Prishtinë and some other areas of Kosovo, but their towers have been mostly dismantled in the Republic, so that GSM coverage is by now offered only by the two Kosovo operators in most areas.

Only in the disputed northern area of Kosovo which is controlled by Serbia (that's around Leposavić, Zvečan and Zubin Potok), Telekom Srbjia remains the only provider.

Serbia and Kosovo have signed an agreement in August 2015 to normalize relations between the two nations. Under the agreement, Kosovo will be allocated its own international dialling code (+383), whilst Serbian Telekom (brand: MTS) will be allowed to operate (possibly as a MVNO) within Kosovo.

In 2009 the first MVNOs appeared in Kosovo: ID3 and Zog mobile use IPKO's network. The third Z Mobile, uses Vala's network. They can't be recommended for visitors at the moment.

IPKO

Ipko042014-1-

IPKO

IPKO is owned by Telekom Slovenije (Si Mobitel), hence IPKO's mobile phone number calling prefix is +386 (for Slovenia).

IPKO has 3G coverage on 2100 Mhz at around 80% of population or 54% of territory: IPKO 3G coverage map. In 2014 it claims to have started 4G/LTE in central parts of Pristina and at the internatl. airport, but this has been dismissed by the regulator.

IPKO has the better coverage and speeds compared to Vala, but still lags behind in customer numbers at around 37% share.

Start-up and availablility

The SIM card cost 5.04 €, which include 3 € credit at their points of sale. Their 4G/LTE enabled SIM contains 4 GB instead.

Top up vouchers are available for 5 € - 90 days, 10 € - 180 days and 20 € - 330 days. To refill, type *123*<16-digit code>#. There is electronic refill too.

Default data rate

First you need to activate data by texting "Plus GPRS" to 121 or type *321#

The price for the first 100 KB is 0.21 EUR, while each 10 KB after that costs 0.001 EUR. You need to have more than 28 ct in your account, in order to use internet on your mobile phone.

Data feature packs

These packages can be booked on 2G and 3G:

Time Volume Wi-Fi Price Activation
7 days 1 GB 5 GB 1.50 EUR *900*1#
14 days 2 GB 2.50 EUR *900*2#
21 days 3 GB 3.50 EUR *900*3#
30 days 5 GB 5.50 EUR *900*5#
7 GB 7.50 EUR *900*7#

Packages will not renew automatically. To check data volume type *123*1#. Overuse is charged by the default rate. All packs include IPKO Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi map).

Roaming packages

To be used in Kosovo and for heavily reduced roaming in Albania (on Eagle Mobile and Vodafone), Macedonia (on One), Montenegro (on m:tel) and in Turkey (on Vodafone), IPKO released these bundles:

  • 1 day: 300 MB, 1.53 EUR, activation: *478*1#
  • 1 week: 1 GB, 5.09 EUR, activation: *478*2#
  • 1 month: 4 GB, 10.18 EUR, activation: *478*3#

Check data use by typing *478#.

More information:

d3 Mobile

D3 mobile

d3 Mobile is a MVNO on the IPKO network with a very low penetration of below 0.1%. SIM cards and top-ups may be available at their points of sale. Data is charged with a default rate of 0.20 EUR for the first 100 KB and 0.01 EUR for every 10 KB. There are no data packages. It's not recommended.

  • APN: d3gprs

Zog Mobile

Zog

Zog mobile is another MVNO on the IPKO network. SIM cards are sold for € 1 in their shops and points of sale . Data is activated calling by code: *800*1# and 1 for activation followed by 1 for mobile internet. Activation costs 50 cents. For data the first 100 KB costs 21 cents and after this for each 10 KB 0.01 cent. There are no data packages.

Vala (by PTK)

Vala ptk-1-

Vala mobile

Vala Network is owned by PTK (Posta dhe Telekomunikacioni i Kosovës) and is the old state-owned incumbent provider. Their calling prefix is +377 (for Monaco). It has still the most customers with 51%, but is losing to IPKO because of lower coverage and speed.

Vala started with 3G coverage on 2100 MHz in Pristina in 2014. Vala’s 3G network covers Pristina and the surrounding area, including Pristina International Airport, Vushtrri, Mitrovice, Ferizaj and Gjilan, whilst launches are also planned in Prizren, Gjakova and Suva Reka.

Vala also talks about 4G/LTE, but it's not confirmed that it has started at all.

Availability

SIM card is sold at 3 EUR at their points of sale, that includes 1 EUR of credit and 700 MB of data.

You may have to enable data by texting "data plus" to 50555.

Data feature packages

Default rate is only at 1ct per MB. These bundles are sold:

Time Volume Price
7 days 1 GB 1.50 EUR
31 days 2 GB 3.00 EUR
3 GB 4.50 EUR
5 GB 7.50 EUR

You can add packages at all of their sales points in form of an e-topup

As an offer called n'trip Vala gives you 2 GB data and 500 net SMS valid for 30 days by texting 'trip plus' to 50555. To check allowances, text 'trip status' to 50555.

Roaming packages

Also Vala has introduced roaming packages for Turkey (on Vodafone), Montenegro (on Telenor) and Albania (on Vodafone and Plus):

  • 1 day: 400 MB, 1.99 EUR
  • 4 days: 1.5 GB, 4.99 EUR

More info

  • APN: vala /or/ wave

Z Mobile

Z mobile

Z Mobile is owned by Devolli and is a MVNO on the Vala network with a Monaco prefix. It's the most successful MVNO with a 10% share in the country. This operator is not recommended as it does not offer 3G yet.

SIM card is sold at their stores (list). Data is charged at 0.20 EUR for the first 100 KB, then 0.05 EUR per 50 KB. No packages are offered.

  • APN: z-int