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Macedonia Telecoms

Macedonia Telecoms

North Macedonia Telecom Market is a Fast Grower telecom market in Southern Europe with 2 Macedonia Telecom Companies and 2.3 million mobile connections. The (former Yugoslav) Republic of Macedonia was officially renamed in 2018/9 to the Republic of North Macedonia after an agreement with Greece. Macedonia Telecoms

According to a report by Cable.co.uk, North Macedonia has an average cost of mobile data of $0.38 per GB, which is cheaper than the global average of $4.07 per GB. In comparison to neighboring countries, Serbia has an average cost of $1.33 per GB, while Albania has an average cost of $1.66 per GB.

In terms of broadband, North Macedonia has an average cost of $19.09 per month for a basic broadband package (60 Mbps or higher), which is cheaper than the global average of $32.05 per month. However, this is slightly more expensive than neighboring countries such as Serbia ($14.39 per month) and Albania ($17.30 per month).

Macedonia telecom regulatory authority: ARKEP Macedonia Telecoms

 

a1 logo

A1 Makedonija

A1 Makedonija is part of A1 Telekom Austria Group and one of the country’s leading telecom providers. It offers mobile, fixed internet, TV, business connectivity, cloud, security, and digital services.

A1 is highly competitive in both consumer and business segments, with strong mobile coverage, 5G services, bundled telecom offers, and eSIM support. The operator is also active in expanding 5G availability across major cities and tourist areas, including Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola, Tetovo, Kumanovo, Prilep, Gostivar, and other locations.

t-mobile

Makedonski Telekom

Makedonski Telekom is one of the most established telecom operators in North Macedonia and part of the Deutsche Telekom ecosystem through Magyar Telekom. It offers mobile, fixed broadband, TV, business services, ICT, cloud, and digital connectivity solutions.

The operator is a major force in both mobile and fixed communications. It is generally strong in network coverage, enterprise services, broadband infrastructure, and digital services. Makedonski Telekom also offers prepaid eSIM, making it relevant for users who want fast online activation without visiting a physical store.

Other mobile brands

One Macedonia Telecommunications

One Macedonia Telecommunications is the new entrant expected to become North Macedonia’s third mobile operator. The company is connected with Hungary’s 4iG Group and was selected by AEK after a tender for spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 3 GHz bands.

This is one of the most important telecom developments in North Macedonia in years. Until now, the mobile market has been largely shaped by two major operators. A third mobile network operator could bring stronger price competition, new 5G investment, more consumer choice, and fresh pressure on existing operators to improve digital services.

The real impact will depend on rollout speed, network quality, pricing, and whether One Macedonia positions itself as a low-cost challenger, premium digital operator, or enterprise-focused connectivity provider.

MTEL

MTEL is one of the alternative mobile brands present in North Macedonia. It is connected with the wider Telekom Srbija ecosystem and has been positioned as a challenger brand in the local market.

MTEL can be relevant for users looking beyond the two dominant operators, especially where pricing, regional connectivity, or bundled offers are attractive.

Robi

Robi is another smaller mobile service provider listed in the North Macedonian telecom market. It operates outside the two dominant network operators and contributes to the country’s smaller alternative mobile segment.

Its market role is more niche, but it still reflects a broader shift toward more flexible mobile offers and non-traditional telecom brands.

Green Telekomunikation

Green Telekomunikation is also present as a smaller mobile brand in North Macedonia. Like other alternative providers, it serves a more limited segment of the market compared with A1 Makedonija and Makedonski Telekom.

For users, these smaller brands can sometimes be interesting for prepaid, local, or specialized offers, although network experience usually depends on wholesale access and operator partnerships.

Roaming in North Macedonia

North Macedonia is not part of the European Union, so EU “Roam Like at Home” rules do not apply in the same way they do in Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, or other EU markets.

That means travellers from EU and EEA countries should check roaming prices before using mobile data in North Macedonia. Depending on the home operator, roaming can be affordable, included in a regional package, or surprisingly expensive.

Roaming costs can also become high in border areas, on ships, in aircraft, or when a device connects to satellite or non-standard networks. Travellers moving between North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece should pay extra attention to network selection and roaming zones.

eSIM for North Macedonia

North Macedonia is supported by both local and international eSIM options. Makedonski Telekom offers prepaid eSIM, while A1 Makedonija also supports eSIM activation for compatible devices.

For visitors, travel eSIMs are often the easiest option. They allow users to install mobile data before arrival and connect as soon as they land or cross the border. This is especially useful for trips to Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola, Mavrovo, Matka Canyon, or multi-country Balkan itineraries.

Most North Macedonia travel eSIM plans are data-only, so regular voice calls and SMS are usually not included. Apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, FaceTime, Google Maps, Bolt, email, online banking, and travel booking apps work normally over mobile data.

Travellers can choose between small plans for short stays, larger data bundles for holidays, or regional Europe and Balkans eSIMs that include North Macedonia and nearby countries.

Find out more about Makedonski Telekom eSIM and A1 Makedonija eSIM.

SIM cards for North Macedonia

Physical prepaid SIM cards are still widely available in North Macedonia. They can usually be bought in operator stores, shopping centres, kiosks, airports, and larger urban areas.

A local prepaid SIM card can be useful for travellers who need a North Macedonian phone number, local calls, SMS, or a larger domestic data package. It can also be practical for longer stays, students, remote workers, or people visiting family regularly.

However, eSIM is becoming the more convenient option for many short-term visitors, especially those who do not want to deal with registration, shop opening hours, or physical SIM card swapping.

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North Macedonia telecom market outlook

North Macedonia is a smaller telecom market, but it is becoming more dynamic. The key competition is no longer only about voice, SMS, and basic coverage. Operators now compete on 5G, fibre broadband, bundled services, eSIM, business connectivity, digital customer experience, and regional roaming value.

The arrival of a third mobile operator could reshape the market, especially if it leads to stronger price pressure and faster network investment. At the same time, A1 Makedonija and Makedonski Telekom remain powerful incumbents with established infrastructure, strong brands, and broad service portfolios.

For consumers and travellers, North Macedonia offers good mobile connectivity and improving digital options. For operators, the challenge is to keep improving coverage, capacity, pricing, and online activation in a market where users increasingly expect simple plans, fast data, and reliable service from Skopje to Ohrid and beyond.

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