TIRANA, June.5 – Multiple sources, including INSTAT data and AMC as well as Vodafone revenue records, show that Albanians have started to save money previously spent buying mobile phone cards. The first quarter of 2007 shows significantly different revenue levels for both mobile operators in the country. The local currency lek has lost significant purchasing power and the lower revenues are also being observed in the construction industry, restaurant, hospitality sector, and other industries.
Indicators
Despite an increase in absolute numbers in revenue figures, both Albanain mobile operators have seen their revenue per customer fall. For Vodafone, monthly revenues from one customer have fallen to 1868 lek, from the previous year’s figure of 2086 lek. The first quarter of 2007 saw a general 10.5 percent decrease in purchases by Albanians for phone calls. Even subscribers with a contract, usually taken for granted to be the biggest spenders, have been more careful in their budget for mobile phone services. Vodafone data show that these categories have spent an average monthly 14 600 lek, a decrease of 12 percent compared to 2006..
Economic brakes
The entire Albanain economy is showing signs of recession. Figures from INSTAT and BoA show that the only sector on the rise for this quarter in 2007 has been electric energy sales which increased by 5.6 million euros. Instat data show a significant 17.3 decrease in telecommunication industry revenues and similar decreased figures for construction, hospitality and food industry.
The most depressed sector, construction, is now having a sales crisis as has been earlier predicted previously by BoA studies.
