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 used to have "foreign" international prefixes, (from 14.02.2019 the Kosovo Code +383, is used as primary code but still active the +377 for Vala and +386 for ipko) 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.
-* '''Vala'''
+* '''Vala '''(by Kosovo Telecom)
-* '''IPKO'''
+* '''IPKO '''(by Telekom Slovenje)
-Telenor and Telekom Srbija (both Serbian operators- Officially is running only Telecom Serbia in limited area of the country ,from May 2018 other Serbian operators have been moved from the country based on the agreement) 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 offered 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 sole provider:
-* '''mts '''(for rates see [[Serbia]])
-The two other Serbian providers Vip and Telenor have ceased their operations there in 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:
-G GSM is on 900 MHz, 3G coverage is still limited 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 has become '''Z Mobile''', using Vala's network.
+*'''mts d.o.o. '''(regional, by Telekom Srbija)
-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) which is scheduled to be changed soon, but postponed.
+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.
-==== '''+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.
+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).
-Finally in February 2017 the new +383 code is operational. It will time to replace the existing codes. Kosovo’s new +383 international dialling code will be come fully into force in 2018, from which date the existing +377 and +386 codes will no longer be used. But both mobile providers using Monaco and Slovenian prefixes have postponed the migration for commercial and technical reasons.
+==== '''+383 country code'''====
-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.
+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''' ====
-<div style="border:4px solid #CD0000; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #FF6347;">
-[[File:No roaming.jpg|thumb|143x143px]]Be aware that Kosovo is '''neither '''part of the EU, nor of the EEA, even if the Euro is official currency. So the new roaming rules since 2017 have '''not''' been enforced here and rates are '''not''' capped or regulated when you use an European SIM card resulting in much higher prices. Better buy a local SIM card instead.
-</div>Note that provider IPKO is identified by some EU operators but not all as Slovenian because of its country code (+386). That's why roaming on IPKO, if supported by the operator, is often charged according to EU rules. Give it a try with a minimal volume to check how it's debited by the provider. But this will change as soon as IPKO is going to switch to the new code of Kosovo (+383), presumably in 2019.
+===='''Roaming'''====
-In April 2019 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, (North) Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia agreed to reduce roaming charges between their Balkan countries. The agreement will come into effect from July 2019 when roaming costs will be lowered and mobile calls will cost 0.19 € per minute, an SMS will cost 6 cents and internet will be 2.5 cents per MB roaming between these countries. It's intended to end all roaming surcharges by summer 2021 which is a prerequisite to eventually join the EU/EEA common roaming zone.
+<div style="border:4px solid #CD0000; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #fee0a9;">
+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.
-In May 2019 Albania and Kosovo have finalised an agreement to reduce roaming fees between the two countries, applying the same principles of the EU’s ‘roam like home’ policy. Under the agreement, regulated pricing structures will be put in place from 15 June 2019 to ensure that mobile subscribers from Kosovo do not pay higher tariffs for services whilst roaming in Albania (and vice versa) than they would in their home market. Operators are allowed to charge a small surcharge during a transitional period, whilst roaming fees will be lifted entirely from 1 July 2021, when a wider region-wide agreement comes into effect.
+</div>
-==== '''Availability and currency''' ====
-Both IPKO and Vala have sales booths at the airport of Pristina, easily found in the public arrivals area.  Either one can sell a SIM card and package and setup your phone before you leave the airport.
 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''' (by PTK, Kosovo Telecom) ==
 [[File:Vala_ptk-1-.jpg|thumb|Vala mobile|209x209px]]
-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 is +377 (for Monaco), but is planned to be migrated to Kosovo's new code +383 until 2018/9. Vala has still the most customers with a 51% market 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.
-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 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.
-Vala also has 4G/LTE capability on 1800 MHz (Band 3), which works in many areas of Kosovo.
-==== '''Availability''' ====
+===='''Availability'''====
-Their prepaid SIM card is sold at 3 € at their [http://www.kosovotelecom.com/tk/_pikat-shitese.php points of sale]. It comes with 1 € credit and 700 MB data
+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.
-Top-ups are sold at 1€ to 40 € giving validity of 7 to 365 days. Check credit balance by *101#.
+Top-ups are sold at 1 € to 40 € giving validity of 7 to 365 days depending on the amount. Check credit balance by *101#.
-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.
+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''' ====
+===='''Data feature packages'''====
-Default rate is only at 1c per MB. They sell these combo bundles for 28 days:
+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
-!SMS
 ! scope="col" |Time
-! scope="col" |Price
+! scope="col" | Price
 !Activation
 |-
 |2 GB
-|300 mins
+| 300 mins
-|300
 |10 days
-|2.99 EUR
+|2.99 €
-|FOL S
+| FOL S
 |-
 |3 GB
 |600 mins
+| 30 days
-|600
+|4.99 €
-|30 days
-|4.99 EUR
 |FOL M
 |-
 |4 GB
-|1400 mins
+| 1400 mins
-|1400
 |30 days
-|9.99 EUR
+|9.99 €
 |FOL L
 |-
-|8 GB
+| 6 GB
-|200 mins
+|100 mins
-|200
 |30 days
-|4.99 EUR
+|4.99 €
 |INT M
 |-
-|20 GB
+|15 GB
-|600 mins
+|300 mins
-|600
 |30 days
-|9.99 EUR
+| 9.99 €
 |INT L
 |}
@@ Line 101: / Line 91: @@
 Voice and SMS are on-net only. To activate package, text code to 50555.
-==== '''Roaming packages''' ====
+For data only they sell these packages:
+{| class="article-table"
-These packages are offered for roaming:
+!Data
-* for Albania on (Eagle Mobile):
+!Time
-** for 1 day: 500 MB, 1.99 EUR - activation: Alb 500
+!Price
-** for 4 days: 1 GB, 3.99 EUR - activation: Alb 1000
+!Activation
-** for 10 days: 2 GB, 4.99 EUR - activation: Alb 2000
+|-
-** for 30 days: 4 GB, 8.99 EUR - activation: Alb 4000
+|500 MB
-* for Turkey (on Vodafone and Türkcell), Montenegro (on m:tel and Telenor), Albania (on all networks), in Macedonia (on all networks), Serbia (on Telenor) and Bulgaria (on Mobitel):
+|1 day
-** for 1 day: 200 MB, 1.99 EUR - activation: Reg 200
+|0.50 €
-** for 4 days: 500 MB, 4.99 EUR - activation: Reg 500
+|500mb
-** for 10 days: 750 MB, 6.99 EUR - activation: Reg 750
+|-
-** for 15 days: 1 GB, 9.99 EUR - activation: Reg 1000
+|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''' ====
+===='''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'''====
-==== '''More info''' ====
 *APN: vala /or/ wave
@@ Line 126: / Line 180: @@
 [[File:Ipko042014-1-.jpg|thumb|IPKO|215x215px]]
-IPKO is owned by Telekom Slovenije (Si Mobitel), hence IPKO's mobile phone number calling prefix is +386 (for Slovenia). This prefix code will be migrated to the new Kosovo code +383 until 2018/9.
+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 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 4G/LTE is 84% in 2017.
+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 on par with Vala's, but still lags behind in customer numbers at around 37% market share.
+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 <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].
+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.
-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€.
+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.
-First you need to activate data by texting "Plus GPRS" to 121 or type *321#, to activate 4G/LTE type *583#.
-The price for the first 100 KB is 0.21 EUR, while each 100 KB after that costs 0.01 EUR. You need to have more than 0.28 EUR in your account, in order to use internet on your mobile phone.
 ===='''Data feature packs'''====
-These packages can be activated for data on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE:
+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" |Time
-! scope="col" |Volume
+! scope="col" |Data
 ! scope="col" |WiFi
 ! scope="col" |Price
 ! scope="col" |Activation
 |-
-|1 day
+| 7 days
-|500 MB
-| rowspan="6" |5 GB
-|0.509 EUR
-|*900*0#
-|-
-|7 days
 |1 GB
+| rowspan="5" |5 GB
-|1.50 EUR
+|1.99 €
 |*900*1#
 |-
-|14 days
+|10 days
 |2 GB
-|2.50 EUR
+| 2.99 €
-|*900*2#
+| *900*2#
 |-
-|21 days
+|14 days
 |3 GB
-|3.50 EUR
+| 3.99 €
 |*900*3#
 |-
 | rowspan="2" |30 days
 |5 GB
-|5.50 EUR
+|5.99 €
 |*900*5#
 |-
 |7 GB
-|7.50 EUR
+|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''' ====
+===='''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:
-Two different packages are offered for roaming:
-* 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#
-Check account balance by *345#.
-* for Albania (on Eagle, Telekom Albania and Vodafone), Macedonia (on One/Vip), Serbia (on Vip), Montenegro (on m:tel), Greece (on Cosmote), Bosnia and Herzegovina (on m:tel) and in Turkey (on Vodafone):
-** 200 MB for 1 day: 1.50 EUR, activation: *478*1#
-** 1 GB for 1 week: 5 EUR, activation: *478*2#
-** 2 GB for 1 month: 10 EUR, activation: *478*3#
-Check data use by typing *478#.
+*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
+* APN: IPKO
-* Proxy: 213.229.249.40
-* Proxy port: 8080
+*Proxy: 213.229.249.40
+*Proxy port: 8080
 *Website in English: https://www.ipko.com
-== '''Z''' '''Mobile''' ==
+== '''mts d.o.o.''' (regional, in Northern Kosovo) ==
-[[File:Z mobile.png|thumb|135x135px]]
+[[File:Mts doo.jpg|thumb|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.
-Z Mobile is owned by Devolli and is a MVNO on the Vala network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE with a Monaco prefix changed to +383 soon. It's the most successful MVNO so far with a 10% share in the country.
 ==== '''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 €.
-Their SIM card is sold at their stores ([http://zmobileonline.com/en/dyqanet/ list]) for 3 €.
+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.
-To top-up purchase Z Mobile refilling cards for 3-20 € at their selling points or authorized distributors. To charge your account, first of scratch off the hidden numbers in the scratching card then write the numbers as follows: *103*<voucher code>#.  After recharging, you will receive a confirmation that your account is charged with success by showing you the current balance.
-==== '''Data feature packages''' ====
+===='''Default data rate'''====
+Standard rate without package is 0.05 € for 100 KB.
-These data packages are given out for 2G, 3G and 4G:
+===='''Data feature packs'''====
-{| class="article-table"
+Their data add-ons are called internet dodaci and sold in these sizes:
+{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
 !Data
 !Time
@@ Line 219: / Line 269: @@
 !Activation
 |-
-|2 GB
+|100 MB
-|7 days
+|1 day
-|1 EUR
+|0.40 €
+|NET50
-|*135*2*01#
 |-
-|4 GB
+|1 GB
-|14 days
+|1 day
-|2 EUR
+|0.80 €
+|NET100
-|*135*2*02#
 |-
-|8 GB
+|200 MB
-|30 days
+|7 days
-|4 EUR
+|1 €
+|NET125
-|*135*2*03#
+|-
+|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/
-==== '''Roaming packages''' ====
+=='''<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.
-For roaming these packages are offered:
-* for Albania (Eagle Mobile):
-** 1 GB for 1 day: 2 EUR, *100*11#
-** 2 GB for 10 days: 3.50 EUR, *100*12#
-* for Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia:
-** 200 MB for 1 day: 1.49 EUR, *100*13#
-** 500 MB for 7 days: 3.49 EUR, *100*14#
-** 1 GB for 30 days: 4.99 EUR, *100*15#
+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.
-==== '''More information''' ====
-* APN: z-int
-* Website partly in English: http://zmobileonline.com
 [[Category:Country]]
 [[Category:Europe]]
-[[Category:1/19]]
+[[Category:6/20]]