Georgian Mobile Operators Generate ₾340 Million in First Five Months of 2024

In the initial five months of 2024, Georgian mobile communication users paid a total of ₾340 million, marking an increase of ₾32.3 million or 11% compared to the same period last year, according to statistics released by the Communications Commission's analytical portal.

This rise in revenue is attributed to an increase in both the number of subscribers and the average cost of mobile communication services. As of May 2024, there were 5,521,312 active subscribers in Georgia, which is 135,000 more than the same period in 2023.

The distribution of subscribers and financial results for the major companies from January to May 2024 is as follows:

• Magti: 2,292,430 subscribers, generating income of ₾161,864,448 with an annual growth of 6%.
• Silknet: 1,900,694 subscribers, generating income of ₾119,357,119 with an annual growth of 13%.
• Selfie: 1,311,533 subscribers, generating income of ₾57,724,006 with the highest annual growth of 18%.

By May 2024, the average monthly expenditure per subscriber was ₾14.87 for Magti, ₾13.43 for Silknet, and ₾9.77 for Selfie. Compared to the previous year, monthly expenses increased by 52 tetris for Magti, 85 tetris for Silknet, and ₾2.04 for Selfie.

The report further highlights a significant uptick in mobile internet usage, with subscribers consuming 55,826 terabytes in May alone, reflecting a 24% year-on-year increase.

The Communications Commission last month declared Magti as an operator with significant market power. This designation brings new regulatory measures for Magti, including the obligation to support MNVO (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) integration. This move is intended to enhance market competition, though Magti has expressed disagreement with the decision and is seeking legal avenues to overturn it.