Hungarian telecoms/ICT group 4iG group has begun the integration of its domestic mobile units with the announcement that from 1 June 2023 DIGIMobil users will be offered services over the Vodafone Hungary network, after DIGIMobil ceased accepting new subscriptions on 13 April. A DIGI press release confirmed that its mobile customers can continue to use their existing voice/data services at a ‘guaranteed price’ until 31 December 2023 ‘at favourable tariffs included in DIGIMobil subscriptions and without changing SIM cards’.
4iG is currently preparing DIGI’s mobile network infrastructure for sale, under a programme to rationalise the group’s mobile portfolio, and is placing the DIGI infrastructure into a separate company ahead of the planned divestment. Assets to be spun off include ‘mobile network infrastructure, other passive and active mobile communication devices, radio frequency usage rights and more than 2,500 transmission towers.’ DIGI managing director Tamas Tabori stated: ‘Our goal is to continue to provide our subscribers with an even higher quality service at a favourable price. The possibility of selling DIGI’s mobile infrastructure can create additional resources for the further development of the fixed network and for even better service to our customers. Connecting DIGIMobil customers and Vodafone’s infrastructure is the first benefit of the cooperation between the member companies of the 4iG group that can be directly felt for residential mobile subscribers.’
DIGI also flagged up significant improvements in network coverage to be gained by its mobile users switching to the network of Vodafone Hungary – which was recently acquired by 4iG in a deal excluded from antimonopoly regulation via government decree – although noting that whilst VoLTE calling will remain available, the previous VoWiFi service provided to DIGI users will be discontinued.