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In December 2004 we submitted a bid at the open tender invited for the acquisition of Telekom Montenegro, the Montenegrin telecommunications company; it came in first and we acquired a 73% majority ownership of the company in March 2005. This success proved again that our experience and performance shown as international strategic investor is recognized by decision-makers in the South East Europe region.
In December 2004 we submitted a bid at the open tender invited for the acquisition of Telekom Montenegro, the Montenegrin telecommunications company; it came in first and we acquired a 73% majority ownership of the company in March 2005. This success proved again that our experience and performance shown as international strategic investor is recognized by decision-makers in the South East Europe region.


On May 6, 2005 the Matáv Group was renamed Magyar Telekom Group in the largest rebranding in Hungary so far<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reading 5 April 2005 |first=News Wire Feed Light |title=Hungary's Matav Changes Name |url=https://www.lightreading.com/hungarys-matav-changes-name/d/d-id/613198 |access-date=23 June 2020 |website=Light Reading |language=en}}</ref>. The new name and full introduction in Hungary of the T-brand meant the beginning of a new communications era too. With the integration the advantages offered by a global background are directly accessible also for Hungarian customers thanks to the Deutsche Telekom Group’s experience.
On May 6, 2005 the Matáv Group was renamed Magyar Telekom Group in the largest rebranding in Hungary so far.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reading 5 April 2005 |first=News Wire Feed Light |title=Hungary's Matav Changes Name |url=https://www.lightreading.com/hungarys-matav-changes-name/d/d-id/613198 |access-date=23 June 2020 |website=Light Reading |language=en}}</ref> The new name and full introduction in Hungary of the T-brand meant the beginning of a new communications era too. With the integration the advantages offered by a global background are directly accessible also for Hungarian customers thanks to the Deutsche Telekom Group’s experience.


The Magyar Telekom Group members, T-Com (earlier Matáv’s Wireline Services LoB), T-Online (Axelero’s successor), T-Mobile, T-Systems (earlier Matáv’s Business Services LoB) and T-Kábel (earlier MatávkábelTV) jointly offer the full range of telecommunications for residential, SME and large corporate customers.
The Magyar Telekom Group members, T-Com (earlier Matáv’s Wireline Services LoB), T-Online (Axelero’s successor), T-Mobile, T-Systems (earlier Matáv’s Business Services LoB) and T-Kábel (earlier MatávkábelTV) jointly offer the full range of telecommunications for residential, SME and large corporate customers.

Revision as of 09:50, 5 August 2022

Magyar Telekom Nyrt.
Company typePublic limited company
BPSEMTELEKOM
BUX Component
CETOP20 Component
IndustryTelecommunications
Founded1991
Headquarters,
Area served
Central and Eastern Europe
Key people
Rékasi Tibor (CEO)
ProductsFixed Telephony, Mobile Telephony, Broadband Internet, IT Services, Networking Solutions, Digital TV
RevenueHUF 700,120 million (2021)"Annual Report 2021" (PDF).
HUF 92,809 million (2021)
HUF 58,997 million (2021)
Total assetsHUF 1,400,671 million (2021)
Total equityHUF 692,975 million (2021)
Number of employees
6,786 (2021)
ParentDeutsche Telekom (61.39% of shares)
SubsidiariesMakedonski Telekom
Websitewww.telekom.hu
Headquarters of Magyar Telekom in Budapest
Dr. Robert Haubner, Chairperson of Magyar Telekom's Board since April 2017
Tibor Rékasi, Magyar Telekom's Chief Executive Officer

Magyar Telekom Nyrt. (officially in Template:Lang-hu) is Hungary’s leading telecommunications service operator and is among the biggest companies in Hungary. The company provides telecommunications and infocommunications (ICT) services, including fixed and mobile voice and data services, non-voice services, as well as IT and systems integration services. It offers its services under the Telekom brand for residential, small and medium-sized business customers, and under the T-Systems brand for enterprise, public administration and institutional customers. Magyar Telekom Plc. is the 100% owner of T-Systems Hungary and the majority owner of Makedonski Telekom, the leading integrated telecommunications operator in Northern Macedonia. Deutsche Telekom AG holds a 61.39% stake in Magyar Telekom Plc.[1]

Until 6 May 2005, it was known as Matáv (Template:Lang-hu). The company was formed under the name of Magyar Távközlési Vállalat (Hungarian Telecommunications Enterprise) in December 1989, when Magyar Posta (Hungarian Post) was split into three separate enterprises. On 31 December 1991, the company was re-structured as a public limited company as Magyar Távközlési Rt., and the company remained in 100% state ownership until the end of 1993. On 1 July 1993, the Telecommunications Act came into effect, making it possible to privatize the company. A consortium was formed between Deutsche Telekom and Ameritech, which was named MagyarCom, and bought into the company a share of 30.1% for a price of US$875 million.

History [2]

1989-1993

Matáv – The Beginning

Matáv Hungarian Telecommunications Company Ltd. was established on December 31, 1991 as the successor of the telecommunications company established when Hungarian Post that was split into three in December 1989. Until the end of 1993 the company remained a fully-owned state company.

Privatization Tender

On July 1, 1993 the Telecommunications Act entered into force; it qualified public telephone, mobile telephone and public pager services as concession services. So Matáv’s privatization tender could be invited both for obtaining national telephone concession right and buying Matáv shares. According to the contracts concluded on December 22, 1993 MagyarCom, a consortium of two telecommunications companies, Deutsche Telekom and Ameritech International acquired 30.1% ownership of the national telephone concession transferred on a mandatory basis to Matáv and the increased equity – for USD 875 million.

1994-1995

Regional Concession Tenders, Further Privatization

In February 1994 after the announcement of the regional concession tender results, local telephone operators were established. Matáv’s service area covering about 70% of the territory of Hungary and 72% of the population included 36 primary areas where the company provides local telephone service. In the second round of Matáv’s privatization MagyarCom obtained majority ownership of Matáv. According to the contract concluded on December 22, 1995 the ownership share of the two consortium companies increased to 67.3% for USD 852 million. On the basis of the combined value of the two rounds, Matáv’s privatization was up to then the largest privatization in the Central and Eastern Europe region and the largest foreign investment in Hungary.[3]

1997-2000

Share Subscription, Deutsche Telekom obtains majority ownership

On 14 November 1997, the trading of Matáv shares began in Budapest and New York City, placing 26.31% of the shares on the market, which was the largest share subscription ever held in Hungary, making Matáv the first Central European company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In the summer of 1999, ÁPV Rt. (Hungary's State Privatization Property Agency) sold the last package of shares of Hungary's 5.75%, but still held the Golden Share.[4]

On 3 July 2000, in accordance with the shareholder agreement between SBC and Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Telekom acquired SBC's 50% stake in MagyarCom. As a result of the change in the ownership structure of MagyarCom, Deutsche Telekom's ownership in Matáv increased to 59.52%, the remaining 40.48% public shareholding, while the golden share was owned by the Hungarian State.[4]

2001-2002

Telecommunications Group, Liberalization, New LoBs

In 2001 Matáv could become an international telecommunications group when the consortium led by Matáv acquired majority ownership in Macedonia's national telecommunications company Makedonski Telekomunikacii (MakTel), so MakTel became a consolidated subsidiary of the Group. As another step in the strategy Matáv purchased the remaining 50% ownership share in Emitel Rt., so in July 2001 Emitel became a fully-owned consolidated Matáv subsidiary that provides residential and business telecommunications services in the South Alföld region. On the basis of a contract concluded with Deutsche Telekom, in December 2001 Matáv acquired the remaining 49% of Westel and Westel 0660.

From 2001 Matáv introduced tariff and service packages tailored to the requirements of residential and business customers and from 2002 introduced new reduced-price packages for internet users. December 23, 2001 was the official date of full liberalization of the Hungarian telecommunications market. The area of fixed-line telephony was the last segment of telecommunications where the market was opened. The Group’s companies achieved the leading position in mobile telephony, internet and business data communication markets and obtained over 80% share on the fixed-line telephone market.

As a result of the restructuring announced in December 2000, at the end of 2001 the Group’s new management structure was approved. It serves the fulfillment of strategic goals and successful business activity through ensuring efficient operation.

In January 2002 a new company structure was introduced in which operations were based on four business areas: residential services, business services, internet and mobile.

In December 2002 the Matáv Group obtained a Group-level ISO 9001:2000 certificate from the largest independent quality inspection and certification body of the world, SGS S.A..

2003-2004

Dynamic broadband, from Westel to T-Mobile, EU-compatible market competition

In December 2003 Matáv announced connection of the hundred thousandth ADSL line. During that year the number of towns where this service was available tripled to reach 128.

Since January 1, 2004 – when the Electronic Communications Act that introduced EU-compatible market regulation entered into force – fixed-line number portability is possible in Hungary, i.e. when a subscriber migrates to another service provider he can keep his existing telephone number. On May 1 number portability was introduced also by the mobile carriers with the support of the Ministry of IT and Communications.

In March 2004 Matáv’s Board made a decision to change Westel’s name and join one of the world’s leading mobile brands, T-Mobile. Since May 2004 the company’s official name is T-Mobile Hungary Ltd. It remained a fully-owned member of the Matáv Group.

Already before Hungary’s accession to the European Union in May 2004, the Matáv Group was recognized to have promoted with proactive contribution the creation of an EU-compatible, market-oriented and customer-focused regulatory environment.

2005

From Matáv to Magyar Telekom, introduction of the T-brand

As part of its efficiency improvement program, on January 1, 2005 Matáv restructured the Group. The newly established Wireline Services LoB integrated the operations of the earlier Residential services LoB, Internet LoB and Network Systems LoB.

In December 2004 we submitted a bid at the open tender invited for the acquisition of Telekom Montenegro, the Montenegrin telecommunications company; it came in first and we acquired a 73% majority ownership of the company in March 2005. This success proved again that our experience and performance shown as international strategic investor is recognized by decision-makers in the South East Europe region.

On May 6, 2005 the Matáv Group was renamed Magyar Telekom Group in the largest rebranding in Hungary so far.[5] The new name and full introduction in Hungary of the T-brand meant the beginning of a new communications era too. With the integration the advantages offered by a global background are directly accessible also for Hungarian customers thanks to the Deutsche Telekom Group’s experience.

The Magyar Telekom Group members, T-Com (earlier Matáv’s Wireline Services LoB), T-Online (Axelero’s successor), T-Mobile, T-Systems (earlier Matáv’s Business Services LoB) and T-Kábel (earlier MatávkábelTV) jointly offer the full range of telecommunications for residential, SME and large corporate customers.

In October 2005 the Board of Directors of Magyar Telekom proposed the merger of Magyar Telekom Rt. and T-Mobile Hungary Rt. On December 20 the extraordinary General Meeting of Magyar Telekom approved the proposal.

On 8 November 2005, Magyar Telekom agreed to purchase Orbitel (Bulgaria's telecommunications provider), a transaction that ended on 3 February 2006.[6]

2006[7]

After registration of the merger at the registration court T-Mobile Hungary Rt. ceased to exist. Simultaneously, from March 1, 2006 the official name of Magyar Telekom became Magyar Telekom Telecommunications Public Limited Company, or Magyar Telekom Plc. for short.

T-Mobile continues to operate as an independent brand and independent business unit within Magyar Telekom, seamlessly providing services for its customers in an unchanged form.

2007

According to the decision of Magyar Telekom’s Board of Directors as approved by the Company’s General Meeting, T-Online Hungary’s Internet access area and the regional fixed line subsidiary Emitel were integrated within Magyar Telekom as of October 1, 2007. T-Online Hungary’s web and content services business area continued to operate under the name Origo Media and Communications as a Magyar Telekom Group subsidiary.

On September 25, 2007 Magyar Telekom’s Board of Directors took a decision to change the management and organization structure of the Company, in order to raise the standard of services, improve cost efficiency and exploit new, innovative service and  business opportunities. The decision to change the organization model shifted the focus from technology to the demands of customer segments. Consequently, the new management structure of Magyar Telekom determines the operating model of the Group on the basis of customer segments. The new management structure, developed in order to reach the strategic objectives and based on customer segments, was implemented with effect January 1, 2008.

2008

From January 2008 the organization of T-Systems business unit was simplified through integration of subsidiaries in an effort to provide better service to customers and increase efficiency. The number of T-Systems subsidiaries was reduced from six to two, while retaining the flexibility and customer focus.

As part of Magyar Telekom’s integration processes, with effect June 30, 2008, iWiW and Adnetwork Online Marketing merged into Origo. iWiW is the most popular social site of Hungarian language Internet.

Following the Board of Directors decision in June 2008, Magyar Telekom introduced the T-Home brand in September, which replaced the  T-Com, T-Online and T-Kábel brands and has become the single brand representing fixed line communications and entertainment services at home. The corporate “T” brand has been renewed simultaneously, and it functions as an umbrella brand for the brands offered by T-Home, T-Mobile and the T-Systems. Magyar Telekom’s new slogan “Life is for sharing” was also introduced and is used both by T-Home and T-Mobile. The rebranding has created a simpler brand structure, easier to identify for customers. Along with the introduction of T-Home brand, we also repositioned Magyar Telekom as Hungary’s only “double triple-play” provider, which, through T-Home and T-Mobile, offers Internet, television and telephone services on the fixed line and mobile networks alike, at home and on the move.

2009

Based on the decision of Magyar Telekom's Board of Directors,an integrated strategy and corporate development management unit has been set up as of September 1, 2009, headed by the Chief Strategic and Corporate Development Officer. In order to enhance operational efficiency and leverage intra-group synergies, strategy and corporate development will be linked more closely than ever within the new unit.

According to the decision of Magyar Telekom’s Board of Directors as approved by the Company’s extraordinary General Meeting on June 29, 2009, the merger of Cable TV subsidiaries T-Kabel Hungary and Del-Vonal into Magyar Telekom was completed on September 30, 2009. The merger represents a further important step in Magyar Telekom’s integration process which is focusing on improving service quality and customer care as well as increasing efficiency and exploiting synergies.

2010

In April 2010 the Board of Directors has decided on changes, effective as of July 1, to the management structure of the company, in order to further improve its effectiveness in responding to quickly changing market and economic conditions.

All consumer market product management, communications, market research and branding competencies have been combined under the Chief Marketing Officer. The Chief Sales and Services Officer has been appointed to ensure seamless end-to-end service to consumer market customers. A number of policy and governance functions including legal, regulatory, compliance, internal audit and security, operate under the Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer. The new Chief Officers have become members of the Management Committee.

In order to reduce complexity in financial reporting and administrative costs Magyar Telekom delisted its American Depositary Receipts from the New York Stock Exchange effective as of November 12, 2010. The company will maintain its primary listing on the Budapest Stock Exchange and will continue to make English translations of its annual reports, financial statements, and investor releases.[8]

2011

In May, Magyar Telekom has embarked on another large scale modernisation of its mobile network. As the first stage of the modernisation, T-Mobile customers were able to experience the benefits of the super fast broadband services in the summer, te mobile Internet offering 21 Mbps speed. The upgraded mobile network will be able to serve many times the earlier network capacity and will also be ready for the new generation LTE (4G) technology.

In October, Magyar Telekom's mobile network modernization has arrived at a siginficant mileston: the operator launched an extended network test of the 4G/LTE technology involving customers. Telekom’s 4G/LTE based mobile internet service was launched on January 1, 2012.

In December, Telekom reached yet another important milestone: as first in Hungary it introduced an innovative satellite TV service offering interactive features. Using the Internet connection, interactive TV services will also be available to customers who had no access to the IPTV service earlier.

2012

On January 1 Telekom as the first in Hungary launched its 4G/LTE based mobile internet service. By the end of the year, full outdoors 4G coverage has been achieved for Budapest residents and the possibility of using 4G mobile internet has opened up for nearly 27 % of the country’s population.[9]

At its meeting held in June, Magyar Telekom’s Board of Directors approved the mid- and long-term strategic direction of the company’s operations. One of the first steps is the establishment of a new management structure. The changes, started from January 2013, will enable Magyar Telekom to exploit the new, innovative service and business opportunities by responding more flexibly to changes in customer demand and to market challenges. The company’s new organizational structure is also designed to enable Magyar Telekom to serve its customers in a high-quality, state-of-the-artand efficient way. In this framework the executive positions Chief Commercial Officer Residential and Chief Commercial Officer SMB have been created to head the management areas in charge of serving the respective customer segments.

In October, Magyar Telekom won the Excellence in Customer Service Award in the personal service category and it has come out first in the sales category of call center activities in the Top 10 Call Center competition. With this Telekom has been proven the country’s best among enterprises in the area of customer service. Telekom also won the Best HungarianEmployer and the Best Central Eastern European Employer title for the second time in the large enterprise category.

On October 1, 2012 T-Systems Hungary Zrt. began operations as the country’s sole service provider with a full-scale infocommunication technology (ICT) product portfolio. A 100%-owned subsidiary of Magyar Telekom, the company was brought to life through the merger of four long-established industry stakeholders in the Hungarian market: IQSYS, Dataplex and ISH merged into T-Systems Hungary on 30 September 2012 with Daten-Kontor having followed suit as of April 2013. T-Systems Hungary provides large corporations and the public administration and institutions comprehensive telecommunications and IT infrastructure and application development as well as systems integration services.

2013

Magyar Telekom was unifying its branding architecture during 2013, moulding its earlier powerful product brands into a single brand and also introducing a new, more dynamic image. Customers in the future will be able to access every service, whether mobile or fixed line telephone, home or mobile internet, interactive TV, health or insurance, under the Telekom brand. For enterprise customers T-Systems Hungary continues to provide comprehensive ICT services under the T-Systems brand.

In September, Magyar Telekom’s frequency usage rights in the 1800 MHz and in the 900 MHz frequency band have been extended until 2022 by way of an amendment to authority contract with the President of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority. For Magyar Telekom, the amendment has secured the foundations for providing high quality mobile services in the future.

Magyar Telekom won the Excellence in Customer Service Award of 2013 in the telephone customer service (call center) enterprise category in October. With this Telekom proved to be Hungary’s best in call center services among enterprises.

Magyar Telekom has successfully acquired a total of 9 cable networks in Hungary during 2013. With a combined household coverage of 33,000, these networks have the capability of providing TV, broadband internet and voice services. These transactions have further increase Magyar Telekom’s high speed internet coverage and strengthened its market positions in fixed line services.

2014

The Government of Hungary and Magyar Telekom signed a partnership agreement in February. The Government and the market-leading telecom group have established a long-term cooperation for the country’s digital development. The goal is to estabish a Digital Hungary, through providing broadband Internet for all, promoting digital literacy and increasing the competitiveness of businesses.

From May Telekom as first in Hungary offered the experience of „multi-screen” TV. Using the TV GO service customers can follow TV programs anywhere in Hungary, on various devices: tablets, notebooks and smartphones. The innovative product, based on Telekom’s integrated service provider and network operator capabilities, properly addresses the latest content consumption trends.

In October Telekom was the first among market players to start using the new frequency blocks won in the tender procedure and through this it has immediately expanded the nationwide 4G residential coverage of its 4G mobile broadband network to 73% and increased its download speed to the highest achievable level, up to 150 Mbit/s.

Christopher Mattheisen, Magyar Telekom’s CEO announced in November that Magyar Telekom launched extensive developments in order to implement Digital Hungary, the first stage of which will be the city of Nyíregyháza. The pillars of the development program: development of digital infrastructure, digital services and digital competencies.

Magyar Telekom won in November the „Excellence in Customer Service – Best Online Customer Service” Award. With this Telekom proved to be the country’s best in the area of online customer service through its customer service provided via the corporate website www.telekom.hu.

2015

Magyar Telekom and Telenor Hungary entered into a cooperation agreement for the joint development and operation of their 4G networks. The main goal of the agreement is to provide 4G coverage and 4G mobile Internet for customers in rural areas as early as possible. As a result Telekom increased its nationwide residential 4G coverage to 97% i.e. almost complete by the end of 2015.

Magyar Telekom acquired 100% stake in the alternative ICT provider GTS Hungary from Deutsche Telekom. With the transaction completed in April Magyar Telekom has further strengthened its positions in the business services market.

Magyar Telekom and MET signed an agreement in March to establish an equally shared joint venture that provides gas and electricity services for business customers. E2 Hungary will enter the market of business energy services with favourable terms and competitive offers on January 1, 2016. As of this date, Magyar Telekom’s B2B energy service operations were transferred to the new company.

Magyar Telekom has signed in May an agreement to build the company's new headquarters and take a long-term lease on it. According to plans the company will relocate in the second half of 2018 to its new operating center to be built in the spirit of sustainability, which will meet the 21 st century requirements. The construction works are to begin in the first quarter of 2016.

Magyar Telekom signed an agreement in December to sell its 100% shareholding in Origo Zrt. to New Wave Media Kft. The transaction is in line with Magyar Telekom’s increased strategic focus on its core business and on further strengthening its free cash flow generation.

In 2015 Telekom’s fixed line broadband internet service became available to further 440,000 households. As a result of developments Telekom’s high speed internet coverage increased to more than 2.2 million homes, and in line with Telekom’s goals, the broadband service coverage of rural regions improved significantly.

2016

In February Magyar Telekom's Board of Directors decided to renew the mandate of Christopher Mattheisen as CEO until May 31, 2019.

After nearly 20 years of cooperation Magyar Telekom became the name sponsor of the Veszprém handball team. According to the agreement from the 2016/2017 championship season the teams of the Veszprém Handball Team Zrt., from the U10 age group to the adult team, will be called as Telekom Veszprém Handball Team in all domestic and international championships.

As a result of the first and second rounds (Western and Eastern Hungary) of the tender for the national development of digital networks Magyar Telekom and its consolidated subsidiaries were granted 12.2 billion HUF EU funds at group level for the development of fixed networks operating at the speed of at least at 30 Mbps in 46 districts.

On November 15 the foundation stone of the new Magyar Telekom headquarters, owned and built by WING Zrt. and as the company's investment, was laid in a ceremony at Könyves Kálmán körút in Budapest.

The outdoor residential coverage of Telekom's 4G network increases to 98% by the end of the year while the indoor coverage is at 87.2%. The 4G+ service, with a theoretical speed of 300 Mbps, was already available in more than 40 localities, reaching almost 25% of the population. In 2016 the company's 4G customer base grew by 44%, reaching nearly 1.4 million by the end of the year and 70% of mobile data traffic was using the 4G network.

2017

From January 11, 2017 Tibor Rékasi was appointed as Magyar Telekom's Chief Residential Commercial Officer. On April 1, 2017 Dr. Kim Kyllesbech Larsen became Magyar Telekom's Chief Technical and IT Officer, and on May 15 Zsuzsanna Friedl became Chief People Officer. Dr. Robert Hauber, Deutsche Telekom’s Senior Vice President Finance Europe, was appointed as Chairman of Magyar Telekom's Board of Directors.

Magyar Telekom signed a share sale agreement with Hrvatski Telekom d.d. to transfer its majority stake in Crnogorski Telekom. As a result of the transaction Magyar Telekom acquired a majority stake (76.53%) in Crnogorski AD. In Podgorica it was transferred to Hrvatski Telekom d.d. for a total of 123.5 million EUR.

Magyar Telekom was the first mobile operator in Hungary to launch voice services on the 4G network. The 4G Voice service has the advantage of providing an uninterrupted 4G data connection even during calls.

In line with the EU regulations from June 15, 2017 Telekom customers could make calls, send SMS messages and use the internet within the EU at the same prices as their domestic tariff plan, without EU roaming surcharges, provided they comply with fair usage conditions.

Telekom introduced a 2000 Mbps (=2Gbps) home internet plan in its fibre optic areas, which doubles the maximum available bandwidth when several devices are connected to the internet at the same time, for example for family use.

Ericsson and Telekom launched the first 5G connection in Hungary with a download speed of 22 Gbps.

Magyar Telekom started to build a 5G test network at the automotive test track in Zalaegerszeg.

Magyar Telekom Group closed its third carbon neutral year: the operator successfully reduced its carbon dioxide emissions, while offsetting its remaining carbon emissions by supporting green projects.

2018

Christopher Mattheisen, CEO, resigned from Magyar Telekom as of July 1, 2018. The new CEO of the Company became Tibor Rékasi. From July 1, 2018 Melinda Szabó became Magyar Telekom's Chief Residential Commercial Officer.

Telekom was the first company in the Hungarian market to enable the use of SIM cards (eSIM) on its network. The operator also introduced MultiSIM, which allows customers to use both mobile internet and voice services on multiple SIMs with a single subscription. MultiSIM supports both traditional SIM and eSIM cards.

Based on the decision of the National Media and Info-communications Authority Magyar Telekom's frequency usage right in the 2100 MHz frequency band, which was effective until December 27, 2019, was extended until June 27, 2027.

Magyar Telekom was the first in Hungary to present a 5G network operating under real conditions at its headquarters in Krisztina körút, Budapest.

Telekom's call center replaced the traditional push-button menu system with a virtual business assistant. The artificial intelligence-based, Hungarian-speaking VANDA receives incoming calls, understands the customer's intentions and routes the call to a competent expert as quickly as possible. It also performs routine tasks that are highly automatable and occur frequently.

According to GKI Digital's market analysis Magyar Telekom was the largest mobile handset and tablet supplier in the Hungarian online retail market in 2018.

Ferencváros Sports Club and Magyar Telekom signed a new four-year agreement under which the companys support not only men's but also women's football teams, as well as water polo, ice hockey and men's gymnastics.

Between 2014 and 2018 the company spent nearly 240 billion HUF in Hungary to develop the infrastructure of its fixed and mobile networks.

2019

At the end of January Magyar Telekom launched its first standard 5G station in the center of Zalaegerszeg. The gigabit speed test network was implemented as a standard 5G system and was using commercially mature 5G network equipment.

Magyar Telekom extended its sponsorship contract with the Telekom Veszprém men's handball team. According to the agreement Telekom continued to support the adult and junior teams for another three years, until the end of the 2021/2022 championship season.

On October 1, 2019 Lubor Zatko was appointed as Chief Technical and IT Officer of Magyar Telekom.

Magyar Telekom and T-Systems moved to their new new headquarters in Könyves Kálmán körút in Budapest. The country's largest office building has since won several prestigious architectural and property development awards.

Magyar Telekom's intensive network development continued in 2019 as a result the operator offered more than 1.7 million gigabit speed access points on its fibre and cable networks in September.

Magyar Telekom started the transition to an agile way of working in 2019. The aim of the corporate-level agile transformation was to respond more quickly and effectively to customer needs and the changing market environment.

2020

On March 1, 2020 Darja Dodonova, former Vice president of Europe segment Technology Controlling at Deutsche Telekom, was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Magyar Telekom.

Magyar Telekom's Board of Directors decided to extend Tibor Rékasi's contract as CEO for another 3 years, until June 30, 2024. On November 2, 2020 Gábor Gonda became CEO of T-Systems Hungary Zrt. and a member of Magyar Telekom's senior management.

Magyar Telekom was successful in the auction for frequency usage rights for 5G and mobile broadband services and launched its commercial 5G service in April. By the end of August the service reached another milestone with dozens of new stations connected in 23 municipalities - Budapest, Budaörs, Zalaegerszeg, Debrecen, Kecskemét, Szeged and parts of Szombathely, as well as in 16 localities around Lake Balaton.

Magyar Telekom continued to intensively develop its gigabit network in 2020: 377 thousand new fibre access points and 117 thousand cable access points were upgraded to gigabit capable. This resulted in the total number of gigabit connections of nearly 2.5 million.

2021

Magyar Telekom Group was given the Disability Friendly Workplace Gold Award for its achievements and efforts in promoting the employment of employees with disabilities, the development of an accessible workplace environment and an inclusive corporate culture.

Magyar Telekom acquired frequency usage rights in the auction for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands.

Based on the company's 2020 sustainability results Magyar Telekom was nominated among the best performing companies in the telecommunications sector by ISS Corporate Solutions.

Based on PwC Hungary's annual research Magyar Telekom won the Most Attractive Workplace Award in the telecom sector for the fourth year in a row in 2021.

Magyar Telekom continued to intensively develop its gigabit network in 2021: 401 thousand new fibre access points were added to its network, and 40 thousand cable access points were upgraded to gigabit capability. The company offered gigabit speed to more than 3 million homes and businesses.

Magyar Telekom launched its fifth sustainability strategy cycle, which sets sustainability targets until 2030. The key idea of the strategy is to make Magyar Telekom Group the leading sustainable company in Hungary, giving digitalization at the service of the development of people, families and businesses as well as the protection of the environment.

2022

In 2021 - for the fourth year in a row - Magyar Telekom's webstore was again the largest supplier of mobile phones and tablets among Hungarian language webstores. According to a market analysis by GKID (formerly GKI Digital) Telekom has a 2.3% share of the total online retail market, making the company the fifth largest online player in Hungary.

Randstad Employer Brand Research is the most comprehensive independent employer brand research in the world. As a result of the survey Magyar Telekom was awarded the Nívó prize, as it won the Most Attractive Workplace in the Telecom Sector award for the fourth year in a row.

Magyar Telekom signed an agreement to support the Ferencváros Sports Club for another four years. Within the framework of the cooperation Telekom remains the main sponsor of Ferencvárosi Torna Club, the sponsor of FTC football team, and the name sponsor of the water polo, ice hockey, women's football and men's gymnastics club divisions.

Magyar Telekom extended its sponsorship contract with the Telekom Veszprém men's handball team. According to the agreement Telekom continues to support the men's adult and junior teams of the Veszprém club for another four years, until the end of the 2025/2026 championship season.

Magyar Telekom switched off its 3G network which will no longer be available in Hungary after July 1, 2022. The operator decided to disconnect the network due to low utilization. Customers will obviously not be left without service: the 4G network will continue to be available for both voice and data, with near nationwide coverage and a better customer experience than previous technologies. Customers with 3G handsets or less will have their voice traffic taken over by the existing 2G network.

Controversies

In July 2017, T-Systems Hungary, a subsidiary of Magyar Telekom, launched an online ticket service for BKK, the unified transport operator of Budapest, Hungary. The application allegedly contained multiple security bugs. T-Systems Hungary reported online attacks on the application to the local authorities. One major bug was reported to BKK by an 18-year-old student, who was later detained by the police in the middle of the night, causing a public outcry, as it was revealed that the detention was ordered after the report by T-Systems. Many comments and negative ratings were added to T-Systems and BKK's social media pages.[10][11][12]

References

  1. ^ "Ownership structure - Telekom". Telekom Mobilszolgáltatás (in Hungarian). Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  2. ^ "Company History".
  3. ^ Linking privatization and regulatory reform (PDF). David M. Eisenberg, Partner, White & Case*.
  4. ^ a b "Magyar Telekom". magyarbrands.hu. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  5. ^ Reading 5 April 2005, News Wire Feed Light. "Hungary's Matav Changes Name". Light Reading. Retrieved 23 June 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ "A Magyar Telekom lezárta az Orbitel megvásárlását".
  7. ^ Closed shop? The Hungarian Telecommunication Service Market 2006/2007 (PDF). Goetzpartners and Consolidus.
  8. ^ Martin, Roderick (1 January 2010). "Transferring Corporate Governance Codes: Form or Substance? Corporate Governance in Hungary". Europe-Asia Studies. 62 (1): 145–171. doi:10.1080/09668130903385440. ISSN 0966-8136. S2CID 153379764.
  9. ^ "T-Mobile Hungary deploying 4G/LTE services with Cisco mobile internet solution". www.commsupdate.com. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  10. ^ Márai, László (24 July 2017). "18 year old guy arrested for reporting a shamefully stupid bug in the new Budapest e-Ticket system".
  11. ^ "Éjjel elvitték a rendőrök a BKK e-jegyének hibáit feltáró fiatalt".
  12. ^ Péter, Magyari (21 July 2017). "Éjszaka elvitték a rendőrök a 18 éves fiút, aki szólni merészelt a BKK-nak, hogy szar a webjegye". 444.