Croatia has many mobile operators to choose from, making selection challenging. This guide outlines the major providers and compares plans, coverage, and features to assist in picking the best fit. Considerations include prepaid SIM needs for short trips versus long-term contracts. HT, A1, and Telemach are compared on elements like pricing, data amounts, speeds, and customer service to aid in deciding the appropriate operator based on your needs.

CROATIA MOBILE OPERATOR

1. List of Mobile Operators in Croatia

There are several mobile network operators and numerous mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) providing service in Croatia. Let’s look at the major players in both groups.

1.1. Main Mobile Operators in Croatia

The  major mobile network operators in Croatia are:

  • HT (Hrvatski Telekom) – Market leader, owned by Deutsche Telekom. Operates under the T-Mobile brand for consumer mobile services.
HT LOGO
  • A1 Hrvatska – A1 Hrvatska is the second largest operator with approximately 2 million subscribers. It is owned by the Telekom Austria Group.
A1 STORE
  • Telemach – Third largest operator, owned by United Group. It was previously known as Tele2 but rebranded to Telemach in 2020.
TELEMACH LOGO

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Croatia

In addition to the main Croatia mobile networks, there are numerous MVNOs in Croatia that lease network access from the major providers to offer their own branded services:

  • Tomato – Uses A1 network. Targets younger demographic.
  • Bonbon – Owned by HT, uses HT network.
  • Simpa – Uses HT network. Prepaid plans for both SIM and eSIM.

The MVNOs often compete on price but may have less extensive coverage and support than the main network operators.

2. How to Choose the Best Croatia Mobile Operator in Croatia

When selecting a Croatia mobile operator, here are some key factors to consider:

  • Coverage – Check coverage maps to ensure service where you live, work, and travel. Rural areas may have gaps.
  • Speeds – LTE/4G speeds vary by operator. Tele2 and A1 lead in major cities. 5G service is still limited.
  • Plans/pricing – Compare monthly costs, data amounts, and any perks like roaming deals. Prepaid or contract options.
  • Customer service – English support can be limited. Reviews and feedback from actual users are helpful.
  • Phone compatibility – Some operators may not support certain phones, especially from outside Europe. Verify IMEI.
  • Contracts/commitment – Prepaid flexibility vs possible better deals for 12/24 month contracts. Watch for auto-renew terms.

For a short tourist trip, an affordable prepaid MVNO SIM like Simpa is a great option over pricier contracts with the major providers.

Prioritize features that matter most to you – heavy data users may want unlimited LTE plans, travelers need roaming, expats should verify English support options.

3. Best Mobile Operators in Croatia – Detailed Comparison

Let’s look at key details for the three largest Croatia mobile operators – A1, Telemach, and HT from the latest Opensignal’s report:

Operator Market share Bandwidth Coverage 4G coverage Objects of use Average price (USD)
HT (T-Mobile) 46% 300 Mbps 99% 98% Voice, data, SMS $20
Telemach 35% 250 Mbps 98% 97% Voice, data, SMS $18
A1 Croatia 20% 200 Mbps 97% 96% Voice, data, SMS $15
  • Market share: HT still leads in the mobile operator industry in Croatia at 46% market share. Telemach, the second largest operator, possesses about 35%. A1 Croatia has a share of 20%.
  • Bandwidth: It’s the highest among the three operators HT providing speeds up to 300Mb. Telemach offers 250Mbps and A1 Croatia offers 200Mbps.
  • Coverage: This means that all three Operators cover more than 97% of Croatia, which is excellent. HT has the highest 4G coverage at 98% of the country. Telemach has also covered 97% of the country and A1 Croatian has covered 96%.
  • Objects of use: They have voice, data, and SMS services. HT and Telemach also offer other added services such as TV and internet. management team would be a crucial task to carry out for the new owner.
  • Average price: HT is the most expensive network and its average costs amount to $ 20 a month. Secondly, Telemach is the second most expensive operator while the average monthly price per unit is Є18. The cheapest operator is A1 Croatia, which charges an average of $15 per month.

HT is the best Croatia mobile operator overall, offering the highest bandwidth, the best 4G coverage, and a variety of additional services. However, it is also the most expensive operator. Telemach is a good alternative to HT, offering similar bandwidth and 4G coverage at a lower price. A1 Croatia is also affordable operator, but it offers the lowest bandwidth and 4G coverage.

4. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Croatia Mobile Operators?

There are several options to obtain a local Croatia SIM card both before arrival and once in the country:

  • Online orders – Many Croatia mobile operators sell SIM card starter packs on their websites. You can set up the service and have the SIM delivered.
  • Major airports -You can purchase a Croatia SIM card from major airports, but note that no carrier-specific stores exist. Instead, you can buy SIM cards from convenience stores within the airport. For more details on buying a SIM card at Croatian airports, check out this definitive guide SIM card at Croatia airports.
  • Operator stores/shops – Larger cities have dedicated stores, and smaller towns may have authorized dealers.
  • Grocery stores/kiosks – Local shops like Tisak and newsstands often sell prepaid SIMs from a variety of providers.
  • Hotels – Many hotels offer SIM cards for sale to guests, though often at higher prices.
Tisak store

To save money, order online in advance or buy at airport/local shops once in Croatia. Avoid hotel convenience markups if possible.

5. Do Mobile Operators in Croatia Offer eSIM?

eSIM allows using cellular plans in compatible phones without needing a physical SIM card:

  • A1 – Offers prepaid and contract eSIM plans. iPhones and many newer Android phones supported.
  • HT – Limited eSIM support for iPhones on some contracts. Not available prepaid yet.
  • Telemach – Does not currently offer eSIM, requires physical SIM.
  • Simpa – Prepaid eSIM now available, convenient for visitors with eSIM phones.

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6. FAQs about Croatia Mobile Operators

Which is the best mobile network in Croatia?

While each operator has strengths, HT typically ranks as the top network overall. It has the widest nationwide coverage, including remote areas. Data speeds on HT’s network are also very fast. A1 and Telemach are strong contenders too, with competitive speeds and coverage.
For travelers, any of the major 3 – HT, A1 or Telemach – will work well. HT edges out others with its broad reach and performance.

What networks offer the best coverage outside major cities?

A1 generally has the most extensive rural coverage, followed by T-Mobile/Croatia Telecom. Telemach’s rural footprint is improving but still lags behind rivals.

Can I use 4G/LTE with prepaid SIMs?

Yes, prepaid SIMs from all major providers include 4G/LTE data. Just make sure your phone is unlocked and supports local 4G frequencies.

How reliable are speeds for remote working/calls?

On LTE networks available in most populated areas, speeds are generally suitable for typical use like video calls, music, and social media. Remote mountain areas may have weaker coverage.

Are there discounts for longer 12 or 24-month contracts?

Longer-term contracts can offer discounted phones and monthly plan rates, especially for higher data amounts. But there are also competitive prepaid plans.

Can I roam affordably on a Croatia SIM elsewhere in Europe?

Most Croatia providers offer EU roaming, but full-speed high data use can get expensive. Better deals if roaming in a provider’s home country (like A1 in Austria).

7. Conclusion

Croatia has good 4G coverage from operators like A1, Telemach, and HT. A1 leads in speed and quality, offering unlimited data plans. Telemach focuses on affordable prices while HT relies on brand loyalty.

A prepaid SIM from Telemach or on A1’s network provides good temporary coverage. Look for monthly plans with data, EU roaming, and bonuses like free Spotify. Compare Croatia mobile operators to find the best fit for your data needs and travel habits. Research Croatia’s mobile options to ensure connectivity during your trip at good value.