While Hungary’s economy is set to contract 3pc in 2009, the telecommunications sector is likely to shrink just 1.5-2pc and the mobile segment only 0-1pc, Gyorgy Beck, head of mobile services company Vodafone Magyarorszag, told MTI.
Telecommuting has made staying connected indispensable, Mr Beck said.
Though the retail market for mobile and mobile internet services is unlikely to contract in 2009, layoffs and costs cuts are almost certain to cause a fall on the corporate market.
The number of mobile internet subscribers in Hungary is expected to exceed 500,000 by year-end, Mr Beck said.
While Hungarians earlier replaced their mobile phones every two to two and a half years, the difficult economic times could add another six months to a year to this period, he said. Sales of cheaper phones are expected to grow while sales of mid-category handsets drop. Sales of premium products are seen remaining strong, he added.