The Competition Authority has imposed new measures and obligations on mobile operators Vodafone Albania SHA and One Albania SHA, following the completion of an in-depth investigation into the retail mobile services market.
According to the Competition Commission's decision, the measures aim to correct the problems identified during the investigation and strengthen consumer protection, through increased transparency, expanded choice and the provision of more suitable packages for different categories of users.
During the investigated period, the Competition Authority identified progressive and similar price increases by operators, high similarity between the packages offered, reduction of offers with lower prices, as well as lack of documentation of costs justifying tariff changes.
Based on the decision of July 24, 2026, Vodafone Albania and One Albania must, within 90 days, create special and more favorable packages for pensioners and students aged 18 to 23.
Also, operators will be obliged to make the most economical packages accessible at physical points of sale and not only through applications or online platforms.
The decision stipulates that subscribers, after the end of the contract, should have the opportunity to switch to a cheaper package without penalties and without unjustified obstacles.
Also, any change in price, content or validity period of packages must be communicated individually to the subscriber, clearly and at least 30 days before coming into effect.
The Authority has also determined that any price increases must be based on documented cost analyses, which operators must maintain for a period of five years.
According to the decision, new packages must have real differentiation and not limit consumer choice. Also, operators' standard contracts will be subject to prior assessment by the Competition Authority to avoid unfair clauses.
The decision also establishes the obligation to clarify the procedures and deadlines for porting a number from one operator to another, which must be understandable to subscribers.
The Competition Authority announced that the implementation of these measures will be monitored for one year from the entry into force of the decision. In case of non-implementation of the obligations, Vodafone Albania SHA and One Albania SHA risk the penalties provided for by the legislation in force.
