Greece, mobile phones and mobile providers

and Mobile telephony in Greece has undergone significant transformations since its introduction in the early 1990s. The sector has seen remarkable developments in technology, market competition, and consumer behavior, shaping the landscape of wireless communication in the country.

Mobile network operators such as Cosmote (OTE Group), Vodafone Greece, and Wind Hellas have played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding mobile services across Greece. These operators have been instrumental in introducing new technologies and competing to offer improved services to consumers.

The evolution of mobile technologies in Greece includes the transition from 2G to 3G and the widespread adoption of 4G LTE networks. The ongoing deployment of 5G networks promises to bring faster internet speeds and enhanced connectivity, opening up new possibilities for innovation and applications.

Mobile penetration in Greece is high, reflecting a significant percentage of the population owning mobile phones. The widespread usage of smartphones has led to increased data consumption, with users relying on mobile devices for communication, internet access, and various applications.

The regulatory framework for mobile telephony in Greece is overseen by the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT). EETT plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition, protecting consumer rights, and fostering innovation within the telecommunications sector.

Mobile operators in Greece offer a variety of plans catering to different consumer needs. These plans typically include voice minutes, text messages, and data allowances. Both prepaid and postpaid options are available, providing users with flexibility to choose plans that align with their preferences and usage patterns.

Greece, being a popular tourist destination, has a well-established roaming infrastructure. Tourists and residents benefit from international connectivity, allowing them to stay connected while traveling abroad and facilitating seamless communication.

The adoption of mobile devices has also led to the growth of mobile commerce and payment services in Greece. Consumers use their mobile phones for various financial transactions, including mobile banking, digital wallets, and contactless payments.

Challenges in the Greek mobile telephony sector include addressing rural connectivity issues, adapting to evolving technologies, and ensuring cybersecurity. Future trends are likely to include the widespread rollout of 5G networks, increased adoption of IoT devices, and continued advancements in mobile services.

In conclusion, mobile telephony in Greece has become an integral part of communication, with widespread adoption, technological advancements, and a competitive landscape driven by multiple operators. The sector continues to adapt to changing consumer needs and technological developments, contributing to the overall connectivity and digitalization of the country.

In 2006 there were more than 14 million active mobile phone connections in Greece. The percentage of mobile phone users is very close to the average European figure of 100% between the ages of 15 and 65 years. Greece has a percentage of 83%.Furthermore a survey carried out in 2006 by the Hellenic Consumer Organisation found that in three major cities of Greece, 99% of the 478 young people aged between 12 and 18 years had at least one mobile phone .

This is not surprising when you consider the role of the advertising industry on television, magazines and newspapers. For example, all the commercial Greek TV channels on the Greek Television receive a bombardment of advertising from the three major mobile phone companies, namely: Vodafone, Tim,Cosmote the company owned by the Greek telecommunications industry and lately from Q telecom.

The weekly Greek TV Guides are full of advertising for ring tones, wallpaper, photographs, the latest technology of bluetooth, WAP, as well as videos and adult content downloads, which can be easily obtained by children. Such material gives young people a large amount of kudos in the playground. The risks for young people are great and neither they nor parents are fully aware of them.

Just some of these dangers include: addiction to mobile phone games , health issues resulting from excessive use by young people, text bullying , the inability of young people to manage their accounts and running up huge phone bills and the easy availability for anyone regardless of age to access inappropriate material. for their age group.

Unfortunately, there are no laws yet in Greece to protect underage children from any of these risks exept of banning the mobiles in the schools in Greece. Neither is there a data protection act to prevent third parties from obtaining mobile numbers or individuals mobile caller’s ID with a consequence that everyone, including children, can have their privacy invaded by spamming of advertising and other more serious intrusions.

So, whilst it cannot be denied that the advent of the mobile phone has led to an amazing ability to maintain contact with people, especially for those in isolated areas, or in vulnerable circumstances and has offered a potentially democratic medium of entertaining and engaging young and old alike it is fraught with dangers, especially for the vulnerable and the young.

Consequently, their needs to be a tightening up on regulations, not to mention putting in place those that currently do not exist. The first point of call for this should come from the Government who should begin a programme of raising awareness amongst parents, children, teachers and all those involved with the care and education of young people