It can be quite challenging deciding on which mobile operator to go for while in Croatia where many big companies and virtual networks compete. This article will outline the major mobile operators in Croatia and identify the main factors that one should consider to guide decision-making and also give a comparative study between the main providers’ plans, coverage, and features. This guide is meant to assist you select the appropriate Croatia mobile operator based on your need (whether a prepaid SIM card for a brief trip, or a long-term contract).

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 Optima Telekom but rebranded to Telemach in 2021 after merging with Telemach.
TELEMACH LOGO

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Croatia

In addition to the main network operators, 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 Telemach, uses Telemach network.
  • Simpa – Uses A1 network. Prepaid plans only.
  • Amis – Targets business users, and uses the A1 network.
  • Izi Mobil – Uses Telemach network. Focused on lower-cost plans.
  • ROAMFREE – Uses Telemach network. International roaming-focused plans.

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

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

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

  • Coverage – Check coverage maps to ensure service where you live, work, 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, any perks like roaming deals. Prepaid or contract options.
  • Customer service – English support can be limited. Reviews and feedback from actual users 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 Card 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. Can set up service and have SIM delivered.
  • Major airports – SIM cards at Croatia airports, such as Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik airports have booths/stores for most major operators.
  • 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. eSIM options in Croatia are still limited but growing:

  • 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.

Since major operators may require contracts and Croatian ID for eSIM, Simpa prepaid eSIM is best for travelers. But eSIM support remains limited versus traditional SIM cards.

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6. FAQs about Croatia Mobile Operators

What networks offer best coverage outside major cities?

A1 generally has the most extensive rural coverage, followed by T-Mobile/Croatia Telecom. Tele2’s rural footprint is improving but still lags 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 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.