Changes: Kosovo

Revision as of 21:34, 29 July 2021

Basics

Kosovo has two national mobile GSM networks, both of them used to have "foreign" international prefixes, From 14/FEB/2019 the Kosovo Code +383, is used as primary code. The now defunct code of +377 for Vala and +386 for IPKO made it quite a unique case.

Vala (by Kosovo Telecom)
IPKO (by Telekom Slovenje)

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

Only in the disputed northern area of Kosovo, which is administered by Serbia (that's north of Mitrovica around Leposavić, Zvečan and Zubin Potok), Telekom Srbjia remains the sole provider:

mts d.o.o. (regional, by Telekom Srbija)

In all of the country 2G GSM is on 900 MHz, 3G coverage is on 2100 MHz and 4G/LTE is been rolled out on 1800 MHz (Band 3) only. 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. In 2009 the first MVNOs appeared in Kosovo: the biggest was Z Mobile, that closed down in 2019.

Due of the historical political situation, Kosovo didn't own an international prefix code. Until recently landline numbers used the +381 Serbian code, while the two mobile operators still use +377 Monaco prefix (for Vala) and +386 Slovenian one (for IPKO).

+383 country code

In 2015 Serbia and Kosovo signed an agreement to normalize relations between the two countries. Under the agreement, Kosovo is allocated its own international dialling code (+383), whilst Serbian Telekom (brand: MTS) offering services in northern parts of Kosovo is allowed to operate legally within all of Kosovo.

In 2017 the new +383 code was operational. Kosovo’s new +383 international dialing code was scheduled to be in force in 2018. But both mobile providers using Monaco and Slovenian prefixes have postponed the migration for commercial and technical reasons. The minister has now maintained that the +383 prefix need to be used by 15/JAN/2019 by all players in the Kosovo market or they will face a fine. Kosovo Telecom (PTK, Vala) was being fined 5,000 € per month by Kosovo's Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post (ARKEP) for failing to fully implement the +383 dialing code in 2021.

Roaming

Be aware that North Macedonia is neither part of the EU, nor of the wider EEA, where since 2017 new international roaming rules have been enforced. So roaming rates using EU/EEA-issued SIM cards are not regulated and can therefore be much higher. Better use a local or regional SIM card instead

Instead, from July 2021 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia have become a single roaming area similar to EU rules. Unfortunately, Kosovo providers haven't fully implemented the new rules and only give out roaming data at the default rate. From other Western Balkans countries you can roam without surcharges in Kosovo, if the provider roams in Kosovo at all.

Kosovo unilaterally adopted the Euro as its currency in 2002; although, it's not an official Eurozone member.

In 2021 IPKO overtook Vala and became the market leader with a 47.2% share, up from 43.4% in 2020, followed by Vala with 47.0%, against 50.7 in 2020. Vala is notoriously cash-stricken and that's why IPKO may be the better choice now, but slightly more expensive.

Vala (by PTK, Kosovo Telecom)

Vala Network is owned by PTK (Posta dhe Telekomunikacioni i Kosovës), recently renamed to Kosovo Telecom. It's the old state-owned incumbent provider. Their calling prefix was +377 (for Monaco), but has been migrated to Kosovo's new code +383. This hasn't completed by 2021 and PTK is fined for that.

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 has 4G/LTE coverage on 1800 MHz (Band 3), which works in many areas of Kosovo.

Note that PTK is notoriously cash-stricken and was saved recently from declaring bankruptcy.

Availability

Their prepaid SIM card is sold at 3 € at their points of sale. It comes with 1 € credit, 10 GB data and 50 minutes all valid for 15 days. Standard PIN is 0000.

Top-ups are sold at 1 € to 40 € giving validity of 7 to 365 days depending on the amount. Check credit balance by *101#.

Vala SIM card stays valid for 180 days without a top-up plus 45 more days in passive mode. You may have to enable data by texting "data plus" to 50555.

Data feature packages

Default rate is at 0.15 c per 100 KB. They sell these combo bundles:

Data	Voice	Time	Price	Activation
2 GB	300 mins	10 days	2.99 €	FOL S
3 GB	600 mins	30 days	4.99 €	FOL M
4 GB	1400 mins	30 days	9.99 €	FOL L
6 GB	100 mins	30 days	4.99 €	INT M
15 GB	300 mins	30 days	9.99 €	INT L

Voice and SMS are on-net only. To activate package, text code to 50555.

For data only they sell these packages:

Data	Time	Price	Activation
500 MB	1 day	0.50 €	500mb
1 GB	7 days	1.50 €	1gb
2 GB	15 days	2.50 €	2gb
3 GB	21 days	3.50 €	3gb
5 GB	30 days	6 €	4gb
8 GB	31 days	7.50 €	5gb

Activation is by texting code 50555. Data is on 3G and 4G networks. Vala writes: After purchasing the internet package, it's recommended that you activate plane mode on your phone, wait 10 seconds, and deactivate plane mode again.

Roaming packages

Theoretically, Roam like home should works, but applies only for the default rate, not data packages right now. These packages are offered for roaming:

for Albania (on all operators):
- for 1 day: 500 MB, 1.49 EUR - activation: Alb 500
- for 4 days: 1 GB, 4.49 EUR - activation: Alb 1000
- for 10 days: 2 GB, 7.49 EUR - activation: Alb 2000
- for 30 days: 4 GB, 12.49 EUR - activation: Alb 4000
for Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey and Serbia:
- for 1 day: 200 MB, 1.99 EUR - activation: Reg 200
- for 4 days: 500 MB, 4.99 EUR - activation: Reg 500
- for 10 days: 750 MB, 6.99 EUR - activation: Reg 750
- for 15 days: 1 GB, 9.99 EUR - activation: Reg 1000

To activate text code to 50555.

Wifi

Vala has public Wifi hotspots available throughout central Pristina. Look for the 'VALA' SSID. Access is available to Vala phone users, login details here (in Albanian but the screen images are in English). As of May 2017, a slower Vala Wifi connection is available to non-clients too.

WiFi	Time	Price	Activation
1 GB	7 days	0.50 €	wifi1
2 GB	15 days	0.95 €	wifi2
5 GB	30 days	1.95 €	wifi3

To activate text code to 50555.

More info

APN: vala /or/ wave

Website: http://www.kosovotelecom.com/tk/

IPKO

IPKO is owned by Telekom Slovenije (Si Mobitel) from Slovenia, hence IPKO's mobile phone number calling prefix was +386 (for Slovenia) before fully migrated to the new Kosovo code +383. Telekom Slovenije has stopped the sale of its 100% stake in Kosovo-based operator IPKO in 2020 and IPKO will remain part of Telekom Slovenije Group.

IPKO has 2G on 900 MHz and 3G coverage on 2100 MHz. Its population coverage on 3G is 90% and on 4G/LTE is 84% in 2017. It claims to have the largest 3G and 4G coverage and WiFi network in the country in 2021.

IPKO's coverage is now often better than Vala's and some users have switched providers form Vala to IPKO making this provider market leader in 2021 for the first time, but at somewhat higher prices.

Availability

Their prepaid SIM card is called IPKO Fol me ton’ (talk to all) andcosts 3 € at their points of sale. It includes 10 GB data, 100 mins and 100 SMS for 15 days.

Top-up vouchers are available for 1 - 20 € giving a validity of 10 to 360 days. To refill, type *123*<16-digit code>#. You can also use eTopUp and choose on any monetary value from 1-50 €. Top-up cards of 5 €, 10 € and 20 € are sold. To check balance, type *110#.

Default data rate

The price for the first 100 KB is 0.21 €, while each 100 KB after that costs 0.02 €. You need to have more than 0.28 € in your account, in order to use internet on your mobile phone.

Data feature packs

These data packages can be activated for data on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE:

Time	Data	WiFi	Price	Activation
7 days	1 GB	5 GB	1.99 €	9001#
10 days	2 GB		2.99 €	9002#
14 days	3 GB		3.99 €	9003#
30 days	5 GB		5.99 €	9005#
30 days	7 GB		7.99 €	9007#

Packages will renew automatically. To stop enter *900*9#, to check data volume type *900#. Overuse is charged by the default rate. All packs include IPKO WiFi (Wi-Fi map).

Roaming packages

Practically, Kosovo should have implemented the Western Balkans roaming, but this only refers to the default rate, not any packages. These packages are issued for roaming instead:

for EU countries
- daily package: 50 MB - 2.50 EUR, activation: *345*1#
- weekly package: 400 MB - 10 EUR, activation: *345*2#
- monthly package: 1 GB - 20 EUR, activation: *345*5#
for Western Balkans, Turkey, Croatia and Greece:
- daily package: 200 MB - 1.50 EUR, activation: *478*1#
- weekly package: 1 GB - 5 EUR, activation: *478*2#
- monthly package: 2 GB - 10 EUR, activation: *478*3#

Check account balance by *345#, Check data use by typing *478#.

More information

APN: IPKO
Proxy: 213.229.249.40
Proxy port: 8080
Website in English: https://www.ipko.com

mts d.o.o. (regional, in Northern Kosovo)

mts logo in Kosovo

Under a special legislation Serbian provider mts is allowed to operate in special regions of the country. That concerns the disputed northern area of Kosovo which is administered by Serbia (that's north of Mitrovica around Leposavić, Zvečan and Zubin Potok). Here mts offers a very similar portfolio to m:tel in Serbia. In some of these villages and towns, it's the only provider with 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE up to 64 Mbit/s.

Availability

You can get a MTS SIM card for 2.36 € with 0.20 € credit in MTS stores (list). New customers can take advantage of a promotion (Promo Za Nove Korisnike), which gives 10 GB, 10 000 on-net minutes, and 10 000 local SMS, all valid for 7 days by dialing *100# within 60 days of purchasing the SIM card. You also get free data and unlimited social media data (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Twitter, Viber & WhatsApp) if you top up at least 3.50 €.

The SIM card gets deactivated if there has been no top-up for 90 days. Top-up vouchers are sold in MTS d.o.o. stores and many other stores in Northern Kosovo, such as corner shops, gas stations, and grocery stores. To top up, dial *100# and follow the instructions. The same short code can be used to check your balance.

Default data rate

Standard rate without package is 0.05 € for 100 KB.

Data feature packs

Their data add-ons are called internet dodaci and sold in these sizes:

Data	Time	Price	Activation
100 MB	1 day	0.40 €	NET50
1 GB	1 day	0.80 €	NET100
200 MB	7 days	1 €	NET125
1 GB	7 days	1.60 €	NET200

To activate send code to 687. It will auto-renew. To stop, send Activation code added by STOP to 687. To check data balance type *105#. They also sell social media options with zero-rating for 30 days for Facebook, Twitter, Viber, WhatsApp and Instagram.

Note that these options only work in the Serbian controlled part of northern Kosovo and most likely not abroad, except of Serbia.

More information

APN: gprswap
Proxy: 172.017.088.198
Proxy port: 8080
Website in Serbian: https://mtsdoo.com/

Z Mobile

In 2019 Telecom Kosovo has allowed its host network agreement with Dardafon – which offered wireless services under the Z Mobile brand – to expire after the two failed to agree on terms for the renewal of the controversial contract. In August the regulator directed Z Mobile not to issue any new SIM cards, enter new contracts with customers or create new packages for the moment.

The regulator later ruled that subscribers to services provided by Z Mobile will be transferred to network host Telecom Kosovo (TK), along with the numbering resources currently assigned to the reseller. This transfer was completed at the end of 2019 and Z Mobile closed.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 =='''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:
+Kosovo has two national mobile GSM networks, both of them used to have "foreign" international prefixes, From 14/FEB/2019 the Kosovo Code +383, is used as primary code. The now defunct code of +377 for Vala and +386 for IPKO made it quite a unique case.
-* '''IPKO'''
+* '''Vala '''(by Kosovo Telecom)
-* '''Vala'''
+* '''IPKO '''(by Telekom Slovenje)
-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.
+Telenor and Telekom Srbija used to have own coverage in Prishtinë and some other areas of Kosovo, but their towers have been mostly dismantled in Kosovo, so that GSM coverage is offered by the two Kosovo operators in most areas.
-Only in the disputed '''northern area''' of Kosovo which is administered by Serbia (that's north of Mitrovica around Leposavić, Zvečan and Zubin Potok), '''Telekom Srbjia''' remains the only provider:
-* '''mts '''(for rates see [[Serbia]])
-The two other Serbian providers Vip and Telenor have ceased their operations there in May 2017.
+Only in the disputed '''northern area''' of Kosovo, which is administered by Serbia (that's north of Mitrovica around Leposavić, Zvečan and Zubin Potok), Telekom Srbjia remains the sole provider:
-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).
+*'''mts d.o.o. '''(regional, by Telekom Srbija)
-G GSM is on 900 MHz, 3G coverage is still limited on 2100 MHz and 4G/LTE is been rolled out on 1800 MHz only. 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.
+In all of the country 2G GSM is on 900 MHz, 3G coverage is on 2100 MHz and 4G/LTE is been rolled out on 1800 MHz (Band 3) only. 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. In 2009 the first MVNOs appeared in Kosovo: the biggest was '''Z Mobile''', that closed down in 2019.
-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.
+Due of the historical political situation, Kosovo didn't own an international prefix code. Until recently landline numbers used the +381 Serbian code, while the two mobile operators still use +377 Monaco prefix (for Vala) and +386 Slovenian one (for IPKO).
-Both IPKO and Vala have sales booths at Pristina airport, easily found in the public arrivals area.  Either can sell a SIM plus plan and setup your phone before you leave the airport.
-==== '''+383 code''' ====
+==== '''+383 country code'''====
-In 2015 Serbia and Kosovo signed an agreement to normalize relations between the two countries. Under the agreement, Kosovo will be allocated its own international dialling code (+383), whilst Serbian Telekom (brand: MTS) offering services in northern parts of Kosovo will be allowed to operate legally within all of Kosovo.
+In 2015 Serbia and Kosovo signed an agreement to normalize relations between the two countries. Under the agreement, Kosovo is allocated its own international dialling code (+383), whilst Serbian Telekom (brand: MTS) offering services in northern parts of Kosovo is allowed to operate legally within all of Kosovo.
+In 2017 the new +383 code was operational. Kosovo’s new +383 international dialing code was scheduled to be in force in 2018. But both mobile providers using Monaco and Slovenian prefixes have postponed the migration for commercial and technical reasons. The minister has now maintained that the +383 prefix need to be used by 15/JAN/2019 by all players in the Kosovo market or they will face a fine. Kosovo Telecom (PTK, Vala) was being fined 5,000 € per month by Kosovo's Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post (ARKEP) for failing to fully implement the +383 dialing code in 2021.
-Finally in February 2017 the new +383 code is operational. It will take around 18 months to replace the existing codes. At present, PTK uses Serbia’s +381 code for landline calls and Monaco’s +377 code for mobile calls, whilst its Telekom Slovenije-owned rival, IPKO, uses Slovenia’s +386 prefix. Subscribers to PTK’s mobile service can use the new code straight away, and it's expected that the Serbian code used for landlines and IPKO's Slovenian code to be replaced by the end of the year.
-==== '''EU roaming''' ====
+===='''Roaming'''====
-<div style="border:4px solid #CD0000; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #FF6347;">
+<div style="border:4px solid #CD0000; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #fee0a9;">
-[[File:No roaming.jpg|thumb|143x143px]]Be aware that Kosovo is '''not '''part of the EU, nor the EEA, even if the Euro is official currency. So the new roaming rules from June 2017 are '''not''' enforced there and rates are '''not''' capped or regulated using an European SIM card resulting in much higher prices. Better buy a local SIM card instead.
+Be aware that North Macedonia is '''neither '''part of the EU, nor of the wider EEA, where since 2017 new international roaming rules have been enforced. So roaming rates using EU/EEA-issued SIM cards are '''not''' regulated and can therefore be much higher. Better use a local or regional SIM card instead
+Instead, from July 2021  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia have become a single roaming area similar to EU rules. Unfortunately, Kosovo providers haven't fully implemented the new rules and only give out roaming data at the default rate. From other Western Balkans countries you can roam without surcharges in Kosovo, if the provider roams in Kosovo at all.
 </div>
+Kosovo unilaterally adopted the Euro as its currency in 2002; although, it's not an official Eurozone member.
-=='''IPKO'''==
-[[File:Ipko042014-1-.jpg|thumb|IPKO]]
+In 2021 IPKO overtook Vala and became the market leader with a 47.2% share, up from 43.4% in 2020, followed by Vala with 47.0%, against 50.7 in 2020. Vala is notoriously cash-stricken and that's why IPKO may be the better choice now, but slightly more expensive.
-IPKO is owned by Telekom Slovenije (Si Mobitel), hence IPKO's mobile phone number calling prefix is +386 (for Slovenia). This code will be migrated to the new Kosovo code +383 during 2017.
+=='''Vala''' (by PTK, Kosovo Telecom) ==
-IPKO has 3G coverage on 2100 MHz: [https://www.ipko.com/residental/telefonia-mobile/interneti-ne-mobil/harta/ IPKO 3G coverage map]. Its population coverage on 3G is 90% and on LTE/4G is 84% in 2017.
+[[File:Vala_ptk-1-.jpg|thumb|Vala mobile|209x209px]]
-IPKO has the better coverage and speeds compared to Vala, but still lags behind in customer numbers at around 37% share.
+Vala Network is owned by PTK (''Posta dhe Telekomunikacioni i Kosovës''), recently renamed to Kosovo Telecom. It's the old state-owned incumbent provider. Their calling prefix was +377 (for Monaco), but has been migrated to Kosovo's new code +383. This hasn't completed by 2021 and PTK is fined for that.
-===='''Start-up and availablility'''====
+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 has 4G/LTE coverage on 1800 MHz (Band 3), which works in many areas of Kosovo.
-The SIM card cost 3€ at their [https://www.ipko.com/residental/pikat-e-shitjes/?lang=en points of sale].
+Note that PTK is notoriously cash-stricken and was saved recently from declaring bankruptcy.
-Top up vouchers are available for 5€ - 90 days, 10€ - 180 days and 20€ - 330 days. To refill, type *123*<16-digit code>#. You can also use eTopUp and choose on any monetary value from 1-50€.
-===='''Default data rate'''====
+===='''Availability'''====
+Their prepaid SIM card is sold at 3 € at their [http://telecom.kosovotelecom.com/privat/ndihme-dhe-perkrahje/pikat-e-shitjes/ points of sale]. It comes with 1 € credit, 10 GB data and 50 minutes all valid for 15 days. Standard PIN is 0000.
-First you need to activate data by texting "Plus GPRS" to 121 or type *321#
+Top-ups are sold at 1 € to 40 € giving validity of 7 to 365 days depending on the amount. Check credit balance by *101#.
-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'''====
+Vala SIM card stays valid for 180 days without a top-up plus 45 more days in passive mode. You may have to enable data by texting "data plus" to 50555.
-These packages can be booked on 2G and 3G:
+===='''Data feature packages'''====
+Default rate is at 0.15 c per 100 KB. They sell these combo bundles:
 {| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
 |-
+! scope="col" |Data
+!Voice
 ! scope="col" |Time
-! scope="col" |Volume
+! scope="col" | Price
+!Activation
-! scope="col" |Wi-Fi
+|-
-! scope="col" |Price
+|2 GB
-! scope="col" |Activation
+| 300 mins
+|10 days
+|2.99 €
+| FOL S
+|-
+|3 GB
+|600 mins
+| 30 days
+|4.99 €
+|FOL M
+|-
+|4 GB
+| 1400 mins
+|30 days
+|9.99 €
+|FOL L
+|-
+| 6 GB
+|100 mins
+|30 days
+|4.99 €
+|INT M
+|-
+|15 GB
+|300 mins
+|30 days
+| 9.99 €
+|INT L
+|}
+Voice and SMS are on-net only. To activate package, text code to 50555.
+For data only they sell these packages:
+{| class="article-table"
+!Data
+!Time
+!Price
+!Activation
+|-
+|500 MB
+|1 day
+|0.50 €
+|500mb
 |-
-|7 days
 |1 GB
+| 7 days
-| rowspan="5" |5 GB
-|1.50 EUR
+| 1.50 €
+|1gb
-|*900*1#
 |-
-|14 days
 |2 GB
+| 15 days
-|2.50 EUR
+|2.50 €
-|*900*2#
+|2gb
 |-
-|21 days
 |3 GB
+|21 days
-|3.50 EUR
+|3.50 €
-|*900*3#
+|3gb
 |-
-| rowspan="2" |30 days
 |5 GB
+|30 days
-|5.50 EUR
+|6 €
-|*900*5#
+|4gb
 |-
-|7 GB
+|8 GB
+| 31 days
-|7.50 EUR
+|7.50 €
-|*900*7#
+| 5gb
 |}
+Activation is by texting code 50555. Data is on 3G and 4G networks. Vala writes: After purchasing the internet package, it's recommended that you activate plane mode on your phone, wait 10 seconds, and deactivate plane mode again.
-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 ([http://www.ipko.com/en/mobile-telephony/internet-on-mobile/map Wi-Fi map]).
-==== '''Roaming packages''' ====
+===='''Roaming packages'''====
+Theoretically, Roam like home should works, but applies only for the default rate, not data packages right now. These packages are offered for roaming:
-To be used in Kosovo and for heavily reduced roaming in Albania (on Eagle, Telekom Albania or Vodafone), Macedonia (on One/Vip), Montenegro (on m:tel) and in Turkey (on Vodafone), IPKO released these bundles:
-* 1 day: 200 MB, 1.50 EUR, activation: *478*1#
-* 1 week: 1 GB, 5 EUR, activation: *478*2#
-* 1 month: 2 GB, 10 EUR, activation: *478*3#
-Check data use by typing *478#.
+*for Albania (on all operators):
-===='''More information:'''====
+**for 1 day: 500 MB, 1.49 EUR - activation: Alb 500
-*APN: Ipko
+**for 4 days: 1 GB, 4.49 EUR - activation: Alb 1000
-*Website in [http://www.ipko.com/en English]
+**for 10 days: 2 GB, 7.49 EUR - activation: Alb 2000
+** for 30 days: 4 GB, 12.49 EUR - activation: Alb 4000
+* for Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey and Serbia:
+**for 1 day: 200 MB, 1.99 EUR - activation: Reg 200
+**for 4 days: 500 MB, 4.99 EUR - activation: Reg 500
+**for 10 days: 750 MB, 6.99 EUR - activation: Reg 750
+**for 15 days: 1 GB, 9.99 EUR - activation: Reg 1000
+To activate text code to 50555.
-==== '''Zog Mobile''' ====
-[[File:Zog.jpg|thumb|179x179px]]
-Zog mobile is a 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)==
+===='''Wifi'''====
+Vala has public Wifi hotspots available throughout central Pristina. Look for the 'VALA' SSID. Access is available to Vala phone users, [http://www.kosovotelecom.com/tk/_wifi-offload.php login details here] (in Albanian but the screen images are in English). As of May 2017, a slower Vala Wifi connection is available to non-clients too.
+{| class="article-table"
+!WiFi
+!Time
+!Price
+!Activation
+|-
+|1 GB
+| 7 days
+|0.50 €
+|wifi1
+|-
+| 2 GB
+|15 days
+|0.95 €
+| wifi2
+|-
+|5 GB
+|30 days
+|1.95 €
+|wifi3
+|}
+To activate text code to 50555.
+===='''More info'''====
-[[File:Vala_ptk-1-.jpg|thumb|Vala mobile|209x209px]]
-<span style="font-size:13.63636302947998px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;line-height:22.400001525878906px;">Vala Network is owned by PTK (''Posta ''</span><span style="font-size:13.63636302947998px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;line-height:22.400001525878906px;">''dhe Telekomunikacioni i Kosovës'') and is the old state-owned incumbent provider.</span><span style="color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:22.400001525878906px;"> Their calling prefix is +377 (for Monaco), but is planned to be changed to Kosovo's new code +383 in the following months. Vala has still the most customers with 51%.</span>
+*APN: vala /or/ wave
-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.
+*Website: http://www.kosovotelecom.com/tk/
-Vala also has 4G/LTE capability on 1800 MHz, which works in most areas of Kosovo.
-==== '''Availability''' ====
+=='''IPKO'''==
+[[File:Ipko042014-1-.jpg|thumb|IPKO|215x215px]]
-SIM card is sold at 3€ at their [http://www.valamobile.com/ptk/_pikat-shitese.php points of sale]. It comes with 1€ credit and 700 MB data
+IPKO is owned by Telekom Slovenije (Si Mobitel) from Slovenia, hence IPKO's mobile phone number calling prefix was +386 (for Slovenia) before fully migrated to the new Kosovo code +383. Telekom Slovenije has stopped the sale of its 100% stake in Kosovo-based operator IPKO in 2020 and IPKO will remain part of Telekom Slovenije Group.
-Top-ups are sold at 1-50 € giving validity of 7-365 days.
+IPKO has 2G on 900 MHz and 3G coverage on 2100 MHz. Its population coverage on 3G is 90% and on 4G/LTE is 84% in 2017. It claims to have the largest 3G and 4G coverage and WiFi network in the country in 2021.
-SIM card stays valid for 180 days without a top-up plus 45 more days in passive mode. You may have to enable data by texting "data plus" to 50555.
+IPKO's coverage is now often better than Vala's and some users have switched providers form Vala to IPKO making this provider market leader in 2021 for the first time, but at somewhat higher prices.
-==== '''Data feature packages''' ====
+===='''Availability'''====
-Default rate is only at 1ct per MB. They sell these combo bundles for 28 days:
-* S package: 3.99 € including 100 domestic minutes, 500 MB internet and 100 national SMS. To activate text 'Pako S' to 50555.
+Their prepaid SIM card is called <strong>''IPKO Fol me ton’ ''</strong>(talk to all) and<strong></strong>costs 3 € at their [https://www.ipko.com/residental/pikat-e-shitjes/?lang=en points of sale]. It includes 10 GB data, 100 mins and 100 SMS for 15 days.
-* M package: 9.99 € inlcuding 200 domestic  minutes, 1 GB internet, 300 national SMS, 10 minutes to European countries (including Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria) as well as 100 MB roaming data in the mentioned countries. To activate text 'Pako M' to 50555.
+Top-up vouchers are available for 1 - 20 € giving a validity of 10 to 360 days. To refill, type *123*<16-digit code>#. You can also use eTopUp and choose on any monetary value from 1-50 €. Top-up cards of 5 €, 10 € and 20 € are sold. To check balance, type *110#.
-* as an offer called 'n'trip' Vala gives you 2 GB data and 500 SMS valid for 30 days by texting 'trip plus' to 50555. To check allowances, text 'trip status' to 50555.
-These data bundles are sold:
+===='''Default data rate'''====
+The price for the first 100 KB is 0.21 €, while each 100 KB after that costs 0.02 €. You need to have more than 0.28 € in your account, in order to use internet on your mobile phone.
+===='''Data feature packs'''====
+These data packages can be activated for data on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE:
 {| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
 |-
-! scope="col" |Validity
+! scope="col" |Time
-! scope="col" |Volume
+! scope="col" |Data
+! scope="col" |WiFi
 ! scope="col" |Price
-!Activation
+! scope="col" |Activation
 |-
-|7 days
+| 7 days
 |1 GB
+| rowspan="5" |5 GB
-|1.50 EUR
+|1.99 €
-|3
+|*900*1#
 |-
-|15 days
+|10 days
 |2 GB
-|2.50 EUR
+| 2.99 €
+| *900*2#
-|4
 |-
-|25 days
+|14 days
 |3 GB
-|3.50 EUR
+| 3.99 €
+|*900*3#
-|5
 |-
-|31 days
+| rowspan="2" |30 days
 |5 GB
-|6.00 EUR
+|5.99 €
+|*900*5#
-|6
+|-
+|7 GB
+|7.99 €
+|*900*7#
 |}
+Packages will renew automatically. To stop enter *900*9#, to check data volume type *900#. Overuse is charged by the default rate. All packs include IPKO WiFi ([http://www.ipko.com/en/mobile-telephony/internet-on-mobile/map Wi-Fi map]).
+===='''Roaming packages'''====
-To activate a bundle call 161, then press 7, then the code from the table and finally confirm with 1.
+Practically, Kosovo should have implemented the Western Balkans roaming, but this only refers to the default rate, not any packages. These packages are issued for roaming instead:
+*for EU countries
-==== '''Regional roaming packages''' ====
+** daily package: 50 MB - 2.50 EUR, activation: *345*1#
-Vala has introduced roaming packages for Turkey (on Vodafone), Montenegro (on m:tel and Telenor), Albania (on Vodafone, Plus and Telekom), in Macedonia (on all networks) and Bulgaria (on Mobitel):
-* 1 day: 60 MB, 1.99 EUR - activation: Region1
+**weekly package: 400 MB - 10 EUR, activation: *345*2#
-* 4 days: 200 MB, 4.99 EUR - activation: Region 4
+**monthly package: 1 GB - 20 EUR, activation: *345*5#
+*for Western Balkans, Turkey, Croatia and Greece:
-* 10 days: 300 MB, 6.99 EUR - activation: Region10
+**daily package: 200 MB - 1.50 EUR, activation: *478*1#
-<nowiki> </nowiki>For activation, text code to 50555.
+**weekly package: 1 GB - 5 EUR, activation: *478*2#
+**monthly package: 2 GB - 10 EUR, activation: *478*3#
+Check account balance by *345#, Check data use by typing *478#.
-==== '''Wifi''' ====
+===='''More information'''====
-Vala has public Wifi hotspots available throughout central Pristina. Look for the 'VALA' SSID. Access is available to Vala phone users, [http://www.kosovotelecom.com/tk/_wifi-offload.php login details here] (in Albanian but the screen images are in English).
+* APN: IPKO
-As of May 2017, a slower Vala wifi connection is available to anyone.
+*Proxy: 213.229.249.40
+*Proxy port: 8080
+*Website in English: https://www.ipko.com
-==== '''More info''' ====
+== '''mts d.o.o.''' (regional, in Northern Kosovo) ==
+[[File:Mts doo.jpg|thumb|mts logo in Kosovo]]
-*APN: vala /or/ wave
+Under a special legislation Serbian provider mts is allowed to operate in special regions of the country. That concerns the disputed '''northern area''' of Kosovo which is administered by Serbia (that's north of Mitrovica around Leposavić, Zvečan and Zubin Potok). Here mts offers a very similar portfolio to m:tel in Serbia. In some of these villages and towns, it's the only provider with 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE up to 64 Mbit/s.
+==== '''Availability''' ====
+You can get a MTS SIM card for 2.36 € with 0.20 € credit in MTS stores ([https://mtsdoo.com/kontakt/ list]). New customers can take advantage of a promotion (Promo Za Nove Korisnike), which gives 10 GB, 10 000 on-net minutes, and 10 000 local SMS, all valid for 7 days by dialing *100# within 60 days of purchasing the SIM card. You also get free data and unlimited social media data (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Twitter, Viber & WhatsApp) if you top up at least 3.50 €.
+The SIM card gets deactivated if there has been no top-up for 90 days. Top-up vouchers are sold in MTS d.o.o. stores and many other stores in Northern Kosovo, such as corner shops, gas stations, and grocery stores. To top up, dial *100# and follow the instructions. The same short code can be used to check your balance.
+===='''Default data rate'''====
+Standard rate without package is 0.05 € for 100 KB.
+===='''Data feature packs'''====
+Their data add-ons are called internet dodaci and sold in these sizes:
+{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
+!Data
+!Time
+!Price
+!Activation
+|-
+|100 MB
+|1 day
+|0.40 €
+|NET50
+|-
+|1 GB
+|1 day
+|0.80 €
+|NET100
+|-
+|200 MB
+|7 days
+|1 €
+|NET125
+|-
+|1 GB
+|7 days
+|1.60 €
+|NET200
+|}
+To activate send code to 687. It will auto-renew. To stop, send Activation code added by STOP to 687. To check data balance type *105#. They also sell social media options with zero-rating for 30 days for Facebook, Twitter, Viber, WhatsApp and Instagram.
+Note that these options only work in the Serbian controlled part of northern Kosovo and most likely not abroad, except of Serbia.
+===='''More information'''====
+* APN: gprswap
-*Website: http://www.valamobile.com/
+*Proxy: 172.017.088.198
+*Proxy port: 8080
+*Website in Serbian: https://mtsdoo.com/
-==== '''Z''' '''Mobile''' ====
+=='''<s>Z</s>'''<s> '''Mobile'''</s>==
+In 2019 Telecom Kosovo has allowed its host network agreement with Dardafon – which offered wireless services under the Z Mobile brand – to expire after the two failed to agree on terms for the renewal of the controversial contract. In August the regulator directed Z Mobile not to issue any new SIM cards, enter new contracts with customers or create new packages for the moment.
-[[File:Z mobile.jpg|thumb|125x125px]]
-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.
+The regulator later ruled that subscribers to services provided by Z Mobile will be transferred to network host Telecom Kosovo (TK), along with the numbering resources currently assigned to the reseller. This transfer was completed at the end of 2019 and Z Mobile closed.
-SIM card is sold at their stores ([http://zmobileonline.com/en/dyqanet/ list]). Data is charged at 0.20 EUR for the first 100 KB, then 0.05 EUR per 50 KB. Several packages are offered, but none of them offer 3G or 4G.
-* APN: z-int
 [[Category:Country]]
 [[Category:Europe]]
+[[Category:6/20]]