Phone Networks In Poland

Before the year 2000 phone networks in Poland were nationalized systems owned by the State. In 2000 Poland allowed one of the largest privatisations with the sale of their national telecom company TPSA or Telekomunikacja Polska S.A to France Telecom. By 2003 TPSA became fully privatized by letting loose of its control of the international voice service section of the telecommunications in the country. In 2005 Poland was able to close out all of the old analog exchange systems for good.

In Poland today all landline companies are completely upgraded with modern computerized phone equipment such as Siemens, Lucent and Alcatel equipment that run each companies exchanges. Even though TPSA has been sold to France Telecom it still holds a majority share of landline customers in the country. More fixed phone line companies have joined the current market for their share of customers in their use of main phone line use but pricing is still higher than in some surrounding countries. That is because many of the new telephone companies are serving specialty areas like business or wireless only. Reports have calculated that as of 2007 there were over 10 million landline users that these main line companies competed for. The International Phone Code for Poland is 48 and must be used whenever calling from another country.

Mobile cellular companies are very popular in todays Polish consumer. That is shown in the fact that there were over 40 million cell phone users in 2007. There are 4 major network companies serving the cellular market. These companies all use the GMS network system and are Era, Orange Polska, Plus GSM and Play Mobile. Orange Polaska is one of the largest of the mobile telecom companies with almost 14 million customers. It offers its customers a wide choice of cell pans that including plans that focus on texting for as little as 14 pounds per month, unlimited calling starting at 40 pounds per month and unlimited email starting at 44 pounds per month. Plus had over 13.4 million users in 2008 and offers post-paid, pre-paid, post and pre-paid combination and wireless internet under its own plan names. Era boasts a customer count of over 8 million and is owned predominately by T-Mobile out of Germany. T-Mobile is in a lawsuit with Vivendi over majority control of Era and will rename the company T-Mobile Polaska if they win. Play is the newest mobile phone company and has the smallest customer base with 800,000 users as of June 2008.