The race to expand fiber optic in Greece continues at a rapid pace, as all providers have announced and are implementing significant investments. At the same time, the government subsidy for new connections to the fiber optic network is working as a booster, aiming to expand the customer base and improve connectivity.
Greece continues to lag behind other countries in fixed internet speeds. According to Ookla data for December 2024, the country ranks 96th out of 154 countries, with an average download speed of 57,9 Mbps, a slight improvement over the previous year.
A key reason for this lag is the country's geographical terrain, which makes it difficult to achieve full coverage, especially in remote areas and islands. The problem is particularly evident in tourist areas, where the demand for reliable and fast connections is high.
Starlink's contribution
To fill this gap, Starlink, the satellite service of Elon Musk's SpaceX, offers internet connectivity solutions in areas where traditional providers have difficulty reaching. The service is available in Greece through major retailers and directly from the company itself.
The CEO of OTE Group, Costas Nebis, admitted that "satellite internet, and specifically Starlink, came to fill a gap that arises from the fact that part of our network is still based on copper, which cannot offer high speeds."
Although there is no official data on Starlink's market shares, its presence has been felt, causing concern among domestic telecommunications providers, who are looking for alternatives.
The answer via mobile phone
OTE Group is seeking to compete with Starlink by leveraging mobile technology. “5G, both access and the backbone network (5G stand alone), is the foundation on which we are building the FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) product, in order to provide ultra-high speeds in areas where fiber has not yet reached,” Nebis said in November.
Vodafone is moving in the same direction, launching the Vodafone Wireless Home 5G service, which allows wireless internet connection with speeds of up to 300 Mbps via the mobile network, offering solutions in areas with limited fixed network coverage.
The role of the European Union
Starlink offers its basic connection kit for €249 (down from €349), with a monthly cost of €40. Although more expensive than fiber optic connections, it is the only available option in some areas.
At the same time, the European Union is developing its own satellite communications system through the IRIS² program, with a budget of 10,6 billion euros. IRIS² will consist of a constellation of 290 satellites, aiming to enhance connectivity in Europe.
The telecommunications market in Greece is in a phase of dynamic development, with investments in fiber optics, satellite solutions and new mobile telephony technologies shaping the landscape of digital connectivity for the coming years.
