Yettel Bulgaria

Yettel Bulgaria is a Bulgarian telecommunications operator and the successor to the business established in 2001 as Cosmo Bulgaria Mobile. It initially operated under the Globul brand, later became Telenor Bulgaria, and adopted the Yettel name on 1 March 2022. The company provides mobile voice and data services, fixed telecommunications, broadband connectivity, enterprise communications and related digital products in Bulgaria. It is described in the reference material as the country's third-largest mobile network operator and third-largest fixed telecommunications company. The business was created by OTE and operated within the wider Cosmote brand structure from 2005. Under the Globul name it expanded its subscriber base, network coverage and portfolio of mobile and fixed services. At the end of 2012, Globul reported approximately 4.5 million subscribers and a 36% subscriber-market share; its customer base was composed of both contract and prepaid users, and it also served fixed-line customers. These historical figures relate to the Globul period and should not be treated as current operating data. In 2013, OTE sold the company to Norway-based Telenor for EUR 717 million, and the operator was subsequently rebranded. The transition from Globul to Telenor began in October 2014 and was completed in November of that year. Telenor undertook a major modernization of the inherited network, selecting Huawei for a broad 2G and 3G rebuilding program designed to support later LTE development. The operator launched Bulgaria's first commercial 4G network in 2015 and continued expanding LTE coverage and capacity. It also introduced or supported services including 3G, HSPA+, fixed broadband, roaming, mobile virtual private network solutions, BlackBerry, iPhone, and other device-linked offerings. Telenor Bulgaria tested 5G technology publicly in 2019 and launched nationwide 5G services in June 2021. The company also identifies the first VoLTE service in Bulgaria, launched in 2018, among its network milestones. The Yettel rebrand in 2022 was part of a broader PPF-led change affecting Telenor-branded operations in Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia. In February 2024, ownership of Yettel Bulgaria and infrastructure provider Cetin Bulgaria transferred to UAE-based e&, following approval by Bulgaria's competition authority. The Yettel branding remained in use after the transaction. Today, the company operates as a national communications provider serving consumer and business customers, although detailed current financial, subscriber and executive information is not established by the supplied sources.

Yettel Bulgaria traces its origins to Cosmo Bulgaria Mobile, established in 2001 by OTE. The operator traded under the Globul brand and became part of OTE's broader Cosmote brand line from 2005. During the Globul period, it developed a national mobile network and added fixed telecommunications and broadband capabilities. By the end of 2012, the company reported approximately 4.5 million subscribers, representing a 36% share of Bulgarian mobile subscribers according to the supplied reference material. Around 62% of those customers were on contracts and 38% used prepaid services; the company also reported roughly 220,000 fixed-line subscribers. These figures are historical and do not establish the company's current scale. Globul expanded its technology portfolio throughout the 2000s. It received a 3G UMTS license in 2005 and launched 3G services in September 2006, later upgrading the network to HSPA+ capabilities. Its GSM network was reported to cover almost all of Bulgaria's population and most of the country's territory in 2012, while its UMTS network covered a substantial majority of the population. The operator also established international roaming arrangements, introduced i-mode in 2006, added BlackBerry services in 2007, and brought iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 to its Bulgarian portfolio in subsequent years. It developed fixed and wireless broadband services, including WiBAS-based broadband wireless transmission in major cities, and offered integrated mobile and fixed solutions such as MVPN, Office Zone and Student Zone. In 2013, Telenor acquired the company from OTE for EUR 717 million. The transaction made the Bulgarian operator wholly owned by Telenor and led to a substantial network modernization program. Telenor announced that the existing 2G and 3G infrastructure would be rebuilt, with Huawei selected for the project. The network architecture was intended to support later 4G deployment. The commercial rebranding from Globul to Telenor Bulgaria began on 16 October 2014 and was completed on 4 November 2014. The operator launched 4G LTE services on 1 December 2015 in the 1,800 MHz band. The initial service covered 53 cities and two resorts, with reported population coverage of 56.73%; the company planned further expansion to cities, regional centers and major resorts. In April 2016, Telenor stated that LTE reached residential areas with more than 5,000 inhabitants and approximately 75% of Bulgaria's population. Additional 1,800 MHz spectrum awarded by Bulgaria's Communications Regulation Commission in May 2016 was intended to improve capacity and raise the theoretical maximum speed to 100 Mbps. Telenor Bulgaria later moved toward fifth-generation connectivity. It conducted a public 5G video-call test on 19 August 2019 and launched 5G services nationwide on 10 June 2021. The operator also identifies its launch of commercial 4G in 2015, first VoLTE service in 2018 and early 5G testing as notable national network firsts. In 2018, Telenor sold its Central and Eastern European operations, including Bulgaria, to PPF for EUR 2.8 billion. PPF retained the Telenor brand for several years, but on 1 March 2022 the Bulgarian business became Yettel Bulgaria. The change formed part of a coordinated rebranding of PPF's Telenor-branded businesses in Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia. In 2023, reports indicated that PPF was considering a sale to e&, the UAE-based telecommunications group. In February 2024, the transaction involving Yettel Bulgaria and Cetin Bulgaria was approved by Bulgaria's competition watchdog. The company continued operating under the Yettel brand after the ownership change and remains a national telecommunications provider.

1. 2024e& acquisition receives regulatory approval

   Bulgaria's competition authority approves e&'s acquisition of Yettel Bulgaria and Cetin Bulgaria.

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2. 2022The company becomes Yettel Bulgaria

   The Telenor Bulgaria brand is replaced by Yettel Bulgaria.

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3. 2021Nationwide 5G service launches

   The operator formally launches 5G services across Bulgaria.

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4. 2019First live 5G video-call test

   Telenor Bulgaria conducts a public live 5G video call.

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5. 2018PPF becomes the owner

   PPF acquires Telenor's Bulgarian and related Central and Eastern European operations.

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6. 2015Commercial 4G LTE launches

   Telenor Bulgaria launches commercial LTE service in the 1,800 MHz band.

   Source
7. 2014Rebranding to Telenor Bulgaria is completed

   The Globul brand is replaced by Telenor Bulgaria after a transition running from October to November.

   Source
8. 2013Telenor acquires the operator

   Telenor purchases the company from OTE for EUR 717 million.

   Source
9. 20063G services launch

   Globul launches UMTS services and later upgrades them with HSPA+ capabilities.

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10. 2005The business joins the Cosmote brand line

    The operator becomes part of OTE's wider Cosmote brand structure.

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11. 20053G license obtained

    Globul receives authorization to develop and operate a 3G UMTS mobile network.

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12. 2001Cosmo Bulgaria Mobile is established

    OTE establishes the Bulgarian telecommunications company that would initially operate under the Globul brand.

    Source

A nationwide Bulgarian telecommunications operator serving individual, household and enterprise customers through mobile, fixed, broadband and next-generation network services.

• Mobile voice and messagingMobile telecommunications2001

  The operator's core service is mobile connectivity for consumer and business users, including voice calling, messaging, prepaid accounts and subscription contracts. The historical Globul business reported both contract and prepaid customers and used the 089 mobile access code after Bulgaria's numbering changes.

• Mobile dataMobile telecommunications2006

  Yettel provides mobile internet through successive generations of cellular technology. The network evolved from GSM and UMTS to HSPA+, LTE and 5G, supporting smartphone access, connected devices and data-oriented consumer and business plans.

• 4G LTEMobile broadband2015

  Commercial LTE service launched under the Telenor brand in December 2015 using the 1,800 MHz band. The rollout began in major cities and resorts and expanded during 2016, with additional spectrum intended to improve network capacity and theoretical speeds.

• 5GMobile broadband2021

  Yettel's 5G offering follows public testing conducted in 2019 and a nationwide commercial launch in June 2021. It represents the operator's next-generation mobile broadband service for compatible devices and coverage areas.

• Fixed telecommunications and broadbandFixed telecommunications2005

  Alongside mobile services, the business has provided fixed telephony and broadband connectivity. Its historical portfolio included fixed-line access, high-speed broadband internet and wireless broadband transmission using WiBAS technology in major Bulgarian cities.

• Enterprise connectivity solutionsBusiness telecommunications

  The operator has offered integrated mobile and fixed communications for organizations, including mobile virtual private network services and solutions marketed historically as Office Zone. These products supported business communications across mobile and fixed access.

• Roaming servicesTelecommunications services

  The network has maintained international roaming relationships with operators in numerous countries and territories, allowing subscribers to use mobile services outside Bulgaria subject to applicable partner arrangements and commercial terms.

• 2022Yettel rebranding

  Bulgaria

  The operator adopted the Yettel identity as part of a coordinated PPF rebranding program covering former Telenor businesses in Bulgaria, Hungary and Serbia.

  Outcome. Telenor Bulgaria became Yettel Bulgaria on 1 March 2022.

  Source
• 2014Globul-to-Telenor rebranding

  Bulgaria

  The operator conducted a national identity change following Telenor's acquisition, beginning the public transition in October and completing it in November.

  Outcome. The Globul brand was replaced by Telenor Bulgaria.

  Source

• 2024Transfer ownership to e&M&A

  PPF considered selling its Bulgarian telecommunications assets, including Yettel Bulgaria and infrastructure provider Cetin Bulgaria.

  What changed. e& acquired the businesses after the transaction received approval from Bulgaria's competition watchdog.

  Aftermath. Yettel Bulgaria continued using the Yettel brand after the ownership transition.

  Source
• 2021Launch nationwide 5GProduct launch

  The operator followed public 5G testing in 2019 with preparations for commercial next-generation mobile service.

  What changed. Telenor Bulgaria officially launched 5G services nationwide on 10 June 2021.

  Aftermath. The launch extended the operator's network portfolio beyond 4G LTE and positioned it as an early Bulgarian 5G provider.

  Source
• 2015Launch commercial 4G LTEProduct launch

  Following the network rebuilding program initiated after Telenor's acquisition, the operator prepared its infrastructure for fourth-generation mobile broadband.

  What changed. Telenor Bulgaria launched LTE service in the 1,800 MHz band on 1 December 2015.

  Aftermath. The service initially covered 53 cities and two resorts and was expanded during 2016.

  Source
• 2013Sell the Bulgarian operator to TelenorM&A

  OTE sold its Bulgarian telecommunications business after more than a decade of operation under the Cosmo Bulgaria Mobile and Globul identities.

  What changed. Telenor acquired the company for EUR 717 million and subsequently made it part of its regional operations.

  Aftermath. The transaction led to a network modernization program and the transition from Globul to Telenor Bulgaria.

  Acquisition price. EUR 717 million (2013)

  Source

• 2024e& acquires Yettel Bulgaria and Cetin Bulgaria

  Bulgaria's competition watchdog approved e&'s acquisition of Yettel Bulgaria together with infrastructure provider Cetin Bulgaria.

  M&ARegulation
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• 2022Telenor Bulgaria becomes Yettel Bulgaria

  The Bulgarian operator adopted the Yettel name as part of a wider rebranding of PPF's former Telenor businesses in several Central and Eastern European markets.

  CampaignLeadership change
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• 2021Telenor Bulgaria launches nationwide 5G

  The operator formally introduced nationwide 5G service during an event in Burgas attended by customers and officials.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2019Telenor Bulgaria conducts a public 5G video-call test

  The operator completed what the reference describes as Bulgaria's first live 5G video call during a public test session.

  Product generation
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• 2018PPF acquires Telenor's Central and Eastern European operations

  Telenor sold its operations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia to investment group PPF for a reported EUR 2.8 billion.

  M&A
  Source
• 2014Globul completes transition to the Telenor brand

  The operator began a rebranding program in October 2014 and completed the change from Globul to Telenor Bulgaria in November.

  CampaignOther
  Source
• 2013OTE sells Globul to Telenor

  Telenor acquired the Bulgarian operator from OTE for EUR 717 million, beginning the ownership transition that led to the Telenor Bulgaria brand.

  M&A
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1. Yettel Bulgaria