Croatia – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Croatia?

Three operators hold dominant positions in Croatia’s fixed internet market: Hrvatski Telekom, A1 Croatia, and Optima Telekom — the last of which has since been absorbed into Telemach. Hrvatski Telekom (HT), originally the state telecommunications incumbent and now majority-owned by Deutsche Telekom, holds the largest market share, followed by A1 Hrvatska (formerly known as Vipnet, part of the Telecom Austria Group) and Telemach Hrvatska (a subsidiary of United Group). Between them, these three companies serve the overwhelming majority of residential fixed and mobile internet subscribers throughout Croatia.

Hrvatski Telekom (HT) is the country’s biggest telecoms operator, delivering fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), VDSL, standard DSL, and mobile broadband services. HT also absorbed its sub-brand Iskon Internet during 2024. Independent performance evaluations have recognised Hrvatski Telekom for excellence in the FTTH category, consolidating its standing in the market, though it does not lead across every measured metric. Current plans and coverage details can be found at www.hrvatskitelekom.hr.

A1 Croatia (formerly Vipnet) delivers fibre, cable, mobile broadband, and fixed wireless access (FWA). From March 2025, A1 officially added Starlink to its product range, targeting households and businesses in poorly served and geographically isolated locations. Independent analyses have noted that Telemach performs strongly in video streaming quality, sharing a leading position with A1 in that area. Current offers are listed at www.a1.hr.

Telemach Hrvatska completed its acquisition of Optima Telekom in 2023, and today operates a substantial national fixed broadband network built on cable and fibre infrastructure. Its current packages can be found at www.telemach.hr. Beyond the three main players, Magic Net operates in north-western Croatia, offering internet packages with download speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps and a focus on consistent quality for customers across several regions. Smaller regional providers including GigaX and 4Tel serve more localised communities such as Zagreb and Samobor. Always consult individual provider websites and cross-reference HAKOM’s coverage map to confirm what is actually available at your specific address.

What types of internet connection are available in Croatia?

By 2025, Croatia’s connectivity landscape encompasses everything from cutting-edge fibre and 5G networks in urban centres to ageing DSL lines and wireless links in remote villages — a varied picture that reflects both meaningful progress and persistent gaps. This situation broadly mirrors the mixed infrastructure found across much of central and south-eastern Europe, though Croatia’s cities have benefited from considerable recent investment.

Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH/FTTP) is accessible in the major urban centres of Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek, and rollout is continuing. Fibre to the Premises coverage has reached 39% of households, though this remains below the EU average of 50%. FTTH provides the fastest and most symmetrical speeds, making it the optimal choice for remote workers and heavy users wherever it is available.

DSL and VDSL remain widely deployed, especially outside the largest cities. DSL is among the most common forms of broadband, with flat-rate plans being the most popular billing arrangement in conjunction with this technology. VDSL — delivered over shorter copper loops or via fibre-to-the-cabinet architecture — offers a notable speed improvement over standard ADSL and is frequently the default technology in smaller towns.

Cable broadband exists in selected urban areas, primarily through A1 Croatia’s network, though it is not as extensively deployed as in some other countries. Croatia’s fixed broadband networks incorporate a blend of technologies including cable, FTTH, fixed wireless access (FWA), and various forms of DSL.

4G and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is increasingly being adopted as a home broadband substitute, particularly in areas not yet reached by fibre or cable. In 2024, 5G network coverage extended to 97.99% of all inhabitants, and at least 4G mobile internet was accessible to 99.7% of the population. This near-universal mobile coverage makes FWA a genuinely practical option across broad swathes of Croatia.

Satellite broadband, including Starlink, now represents a credible last-resort solution for the most remote communities. Starlink dishes have been deployed by residents in isolated rural areas and on islands where previously only slow ADSL or expensive mobile data was available. Conventional geostationary satellite services typically come with strict data caps and latency exceeding 500 milliseconds, making them far less attractive than low-earth orbit alternatives except where no other option exists.

Unlike markets such as South Korea or the Netherlands where near-universal fibre rollout has been achieved, Croatia still has a sizeable proportion of its population depending on copper-based or wireless technologies. Nonetheless, the Croatian government has adopted the National Plan for Broadband Development 2021–2027, which aims to provide download speeds of at least 100 Mbps to every household in the country.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Croatia?

Internet speeds in Croatia differ considerably according to location and the technology in use, but the national picture has improved substantially in recent years. With an average fixed-network broadband download speed of 132.79 Mbit/s, Croatia ranks 53rd in international comparisons, while its upload speed of 64.78 Mbit/s places it 55th. These figures reflect an infrastructure that is progressing, even if a gap remains relative to Western European neighbours. For the most up-to-date benchmarks, consult Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index.

During the third quarter of 2025, the fastest fixed broadband in Croatia was recorded by A1, with an average download speed of 76 Mbps and the highest upload speed of 40.6 Mbps. Over the same period, the fastest mobile internet was delivered by Hrvatski Telekom, which achieved an average download speed of 123.6 Mbps and the highest mobile upload speed of 21.8 Mbps.

On the mobile side, Speedtest data from August 2024 placed Croatia 34th globally, with a mobile download speed of 76.24 Mbps and an upload speed of 13.71 Mbps — ahead of neighbouring Slovenia, which ranked 39th. This positions Croatia favourably on both regional and global mobile performance scales.

Urban areas — particularly Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek — enjoy the most consistent and fastest connectivity, with fibre and strong 5G signals throughout most city centres. Rural areas, especially mountainous inland regions and certain Adriatic islands, can experience noticeably slower and less dependable connections. Croatia’s demanding geography, encompassing mountain ranges and extensive inland waterways, means reaching large portions of the population requires considerably greater technical effort and infrastructure investment than in more accessible countries. For a real-time view of speeds at your location, use HAKOM’s HAKOMetar tool at www.hakom.hr or run tests at Speedtest.net.

Slovenia, Croatia’s EU neighbour, has often been cited for stronger fibre and 5G performance; it has pursued an aggressive FTTH rollout and records higher average fixed speeds, with a median of roughly 90 Mbps compared to Croatia’s approximately 50 Mbps at the time of comparison. That said, Croatia’s mobile performance is increasingly competitive, and its fixed-line infrastructure continues to improve year on year under EU-backed investment programmes.

How do I get an internet connection set up in Croatia?

Arranging a residential internet connection in Croatia as a newcomer is a manageable process, though it proceeds most smoothly once your basic residency paperwork is in place. The major providers all offer online sign-up, applications at their retail branches, or a phone-based ordering process. The following step-by-step guide outlines what to expect.

1. Check availability at your address. Before selecting a provider, establish which technologies and packages are accessible at your specific property. Each of the three main operators — HT, A1, and Telemach — provides an address-based availability checker on its website. HAKOM’s coverage map at hakom.hr can also give you a broader sense of what is on offer in your area.
2. Compare packages and select a provider. Assess speed tiers, contract durations, bundled services such as television and telephone, and any promotional pricing. Be aware that introductory rates generally apply only for a defined promotional period — read the contract thoroughly before committing.
3. Gather your documents. You will typically be asked to produce a valid passport or national identity card, proof of your Croatian address (for example, a lease agreement or utility bill), and a local contact number. If you have a Croatian residency permit (boravišna dozvola) or an OIB (personal identification number), have these to hand — providers commonly request them on subscription forms, though exact requirements vary.
4. Sign the contract. This is usually possible online, at a provider’s retail outlet, or during a technician’s visit to your property. Contracts most commonly run for 12 or 24 months, though shorter terms may be available at higher monthly rates. If you need an English version of the contract, request one — larger branches and customer service lines at major providers can generally accommodate this.
5. Schedule the installation. Where a new line or equipment is needed, the provider will organise a technician visit. In areas with existing infrastructure, this can be arranged within a few working days to a week. In locations requiring new cabling, it may take several weeks.
6. Receive and configure your equipment. Providers supply a modem or router, typically included in the monthly fee as a rental. The technician usually handles the basic setup, or it can be completed through a dedicated app. Some providers allow the use of your own compatible equipment if you prefer.
7. Go live. Once the connection is activated, you can start using it immediately. Run speed checks with HAKOM’s HAKOMetar or Speedtest.net, and contact your provider if the results fall significantly short of the advertised figures — as a resident of an EU member state, you are protected by EU consumer rights legislation.

For foreign nationals, the main complication can arise if you do not yet hold a Croatian OIB or a local bank account, as these may be required for direct debit billing arrangements. Some providers will accept international payment cards or cash payments at their offices as a temporary arrangement. It is worth calling ahead to clarify requirements before visiting a store. EU citizens living in Croatia face no additional barriers beyond standard documentation; non-EU nationals should ensure they hold a valid residence permit before applying for a long-term contract.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in Croatia?

Several practical alternatives exist for staying connected from the day you arrive in Croatia, whether you are waiting for a fixed broadband installation or still weighing your options.

Prepaid SIM cards with mobile data represent the quickest and most flexible solution. Registering personal details is not mandatory when purchasing a prepaid plan, meaning any foreign national can acquire one for domestic use without delay. SIM cards from all three major operators — HT, A1, and Telemach — are sold at their retail stores, supermarkets, petrol stations, and airports. Look out for operator shops immediately on arrival at Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman), Split Airport, or Dubrovnik Airport. Average monthly costs for mobile internet range from approximately €13 to €27, with a growing number of tariffs offering unlimited data.

Portable Wi-Fi (pocket hotspot) devices are available for short-term hire or purchase from mobile operators and travel electronics retailers. These run on 4G or 5G networks and can share a connection across multiple devices simultaneously, making them a useful stopgap while a fixed line is being arranged.

Co-working spaces are well established in Zagreb and the main coastal cities, with many providing high-speed Wi-Fi alongside hot-desk or day-pass arrangements. These are especially valuable for remote workers who need a fast, reliable connection immediately upon arrival. Platforms such as Coworker.com list available spaces throughout Croatia.

Public and café Wi-Fi is widespread across Croatia’s cities and coastal resorts. Croatia’s academic network CARNET provides high-speed connectivity to schools and universities, and EU initiatives such as WiFi4EU have funded free public Wi-Fi in a number of municipalities. Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and shopping centres routinely offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though connection quality and security levels vary. For sensitive work or financial transactions, always use a VPN over public networks.

For those seeking the best temporary mobile coverage, A1 is often cited as offering the widest network reach alongside a strong range of plan options, though HT also performs very well on coverage metrics. If your time in Croatia will involve travel to the islands or more remote mainland areas, HT’s coverage has historically ranked among the highest across those locations.

What does internet service typically cost in Croatia?

Internet pricing in Croatia has grown increasingly competitive in recent years. In 2024, the cost of fixed broadband services fell by an average of 5%, while mobile internet prices dropped by 14% compared to 2023. The figures below provide a realistic snapshot of typical costs as of 2024–2025, though all prices should be confirmed on provider websites before signing a contract, as offers are subject to frequent change.

Installation and activation fees differ between providers and promotions — some waive these costs entirely during special offers, while others levy a one-off charge of up to €30–€50 (as of 2024). Router and modem rental is typically bundled into the monthly fee, though purchasing a compatible device outright may lower your ongoing costs. Standard contract lengths are 12 or 24 months; shorter or rolling monthly arrangements are generally available but carry a premium. Always check for setup fees and the price that applies once any promotional period expires before signing.

For bundle packages combining broadband, television, and a fixed telephone line, monthly costs typically fall in the €30–€60 range depending on the tier and any add-ons selected. Triple-play bundles often represent better value than purchasing each service independently. For the most current and comprehensive pricing information, consult the HAKOM website at hakom.hr and the official website of each provider.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in Croatia?

Croatia maintains a largely open and unfettered internet environment. According to the OpenNet Initiative’s global filtering data, there is little to no evidence of internet filtering in any category — whether political, social, security-related, or concerning internet tools. The government does not impose restrictions on internet access, and there are no credible reports of state monitoring of private emails or online chat. Individuals and organisations are generally free to express their views online without obstruction.

As a member of the European Union, Croatia adheres to EU-wide digital regulations, including net neutrality provisions enshrined in the European Electronic Communications Code. This framework prohibits internet service providers from blocking or throttling lawful content, applications, or services. This open-access model aligns Croatia with standards applied across the EU and is considerably more permissive than regulatory approaches in countries that enforce state-level content filtering.

While the constitution and domestic law broadly guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of the press, hate speech committed online is a criminal offence punishable by between six months and three years of imprisonment, and libel is also subject to criminal sanction. These provisions are consistent with EU norms and are not directed exclusively at internet users rather than media more generally.

VPN use is entirely legal in Croatia and is widely practised for both professional and personal privacy purposes. There are no legal restrictions on using a VPN for lawful ends. Streaming platforms may apply geographic content restrictions based on your location — a standard commercial practice across Europe that is unrelated to government-imposed censorship.

Certain gambling and adult content websites may be subject to court-ordered blocking in Croatia, in line with practices adopted by a number of EU member states. This does not constitute a broad censorship framework but rather a targeted, judicially sanctioned blocking mechanism. Croatia also applies EU copyright enforcement directives, meaning some piracy-related websites are blocked by Croatian ISPs in accordance with court decisions.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in Croatia?

The principal SIM card providers in Croatia are A1, Hrvatski Telekom, Telemach, and a range of eSIM providers, with all major operators rolling out 5G services. The rapid advancement of 4G networks and the ongoing deployment of 5G technology have substantially expanded both the availability and quality of mobile internet across the country.

SIM cards can be purchased at operator retail outlets, supermarkets, petrol stations, kiosks, and airports. Registering personal data is not mandatory when buying a prepaid SIM, so any foreign national can obtain one for domestic use without bureaucratic difficulty. Postpaid (contract) SIM plans require identity documentation and, in most cases, a local address. Foreign nationals who do not yet have a Croatian OIB or a local bank account will generally find it simpler to begin with a prepaid plan and transition to postpaid once their documentation is complete.

eSIMs are supported by all three major operators in Croatia — HT, A1, and Telemach — as well as by international eSIM providers. This allows a Croatian data plan to be activated on a compatible smartphone without the need for a physical SIM card, which is particularly convenient when travelling directly from another country. Verify your device’s compatibility before making a purchase.

Travellers arriving from other EU countries can use their home-country SIM in Croatia without incurring additional roaming charges, thanks to EU roaming rules, subject to the fair-use policy of their home plan. However, this is only a practical short-term measure — for longer stays, a local Croatian SIM will be more economical and give you access to the best local network performance. Non-EU SIM cards are subject to standard international roaming rates, which can be substantial; purchasing a local SIM on arrival is strongly advisable for anyone staying more than a few days.

Major mobile operators have acquired spectrum with associated coverage obligations, targeting extensive coverage on motorways, railway lines, and in urban areas by 2025, and 50% coverage in rural areas by 2027. In the most remote locations — some Dalmatian islands and upland areas — coverage can be inconsistent across all operators, so it is worth consulting individual provider coverage maps before depending on mobile data in a specific location.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Croatia?

The Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries — known by its Croatian acronym HAKOM, derived from Hrvatska regulatorna agencija za mrežne djelatnosti — is the government agency responsible for regulating telecommunications, postal services, and the rail industry. For internet and telecoms consumers, HAKOM is the primary authority to be aware of.

HAKOM’s mandate covers ensuring market competition, fostering stable growth, and creating conditions for innovation in electronic communications and postal services. The regulator protects users’ interests and preserves their ability to choose among a variety of communications and postal services at reasonable prices. It also defines the conditions for sustainable competition among operators and service providers, and supports economic development, public services, and quality of life in Croatia through the application of modern technology.

For expats, HAKOM offers several practical resources. The regulator has developed and maintains a central mapping tool called HAKOMetar, through which users can examine the quality of their internet access service; measurement results are displayed on a map and serve as evidence in the process of resolving complaints about service quality. This tool is particularly useful for verifying the actual speeds at your address and for building a case if your provider is failing to deliver the performance it advertised.

HAKOM has additionally been designated as the Digital Services Coordinator of the Republic of Croatia, with the primary task of coordinating the activities of national competent authorities in implementing the EU Digital Services Act. This means HAKOM is also the relevant contact point for complaints concerning digital services operating in Croatia, extending beyond broadband providers alone.

If a dispute with a provider cannot be resolved through direct negotiation, a formal complaint can be submitted to HAKOM via its official website. The regulator publishes annual reports, market data, and consumer guidance — much of which is accessible in English. Visit www.hakom.hr/en for coverage maps, complaint forms, and regulatory publications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Croatian OIB (tax/personal ID number) to sign up for internet service?

The majority of fixed broadband providers will request your OIB when you sign a contract, as it functions as the standard personal identifier in Croatian administrative and commercial transactions. That said, requirements differ between providers, and some may accept a passport number combined with a lease agreement as an alternative. Prepaid mobile data plans typically require no personal registration whatsoever, making them an accessible option while you are still assembling your documentation.

How long does it take to get broadband installed after signing a contract?

In urban areas where existing infrastructure is in place, installation can be completed within a few working days to a week of signing. In locations that require new cable runs, or in rural settings, the wait may stretch to several weeks. During peak moving periods — particularly spring and the early summer months — heightened demand can push installation timelines out further. Request an estimated installation date from your provider at the point of signing.

Can I use my home-country SIM card when I first arrive in Croatia?

If your SIM card was issued in an EU/EEA country, EU roaming rules permit you to use it in Croatia at no additional charge, subject to your home plan’s fair-use limits. This is a workable short-term measure on arrival. SIM cards issued outside the EU attract standard international roaming rates, which can be considerable; purchasing a local prepaid SIM on arrival is strongly recommended for anyone planning to stay more than a few days.

Is fibre broadband available in rural Croatia and on the islands?

Fibre access is concentrated primarily in the larger urban centres. Rural areas on the mainland and most Adriatic islands are served by more limited infrastructure, often relying on DSL, fixed wireless access (FWA), or 4G mobile broadband. Starlink satellite is increasingly adopted by residents in areas where fibre has not yet arrived. Croatia’s National Broadband Plan 2021–2027, supported by €130 million from the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan, is designed to extend high-speed connectivity to underserved rural communities in the years ahead.

Are VPNs legal in Croatia?

Yes, using a VPN in Croatia is entirely legal for both personal and professional purposes. The government places no restrictions on VPN software or its use. Many expats and remote workers rely on VPNs for privacy protection and to access content libraries from their home countries. As in any jurisdiction, using a VPN to carry out illegal activities remains unlawful.

What is the typical contract length for fixed broadband in Croatia?

The standard contract term for broadband in Croatia is 12 or 24 months. Longer contracts typically come with lower monthly rates and may include introductory promotional pricing. No-contract or rolling monthly options are offered by most providers but generally attract a higher monthly fee. Before signing anything, review all terms carefully — including early termination penalties — and always request a copy of the contract in a language you are comfortable reading.

How do I complain if my internet service is not meeting the advertised speeds?

Begin by contacting your provider directly and documenting your speed measurements using an independent tool such as Speedtest.net or HAKOM’s HAKOMetar. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can lodge a formal complaint with HAKOM, Croatia’s national telecoms regulator, at www.hakom.hr. As an EU member state, Croatia is also subject to EU consumer protection law, and cross-border disputes can be escalated through the European Consumer Centre (ECC) network.

Can I get internet without a fixed-line phone in Croatia?

Yes. All major providers offer internet-only packages that do not require a bundled fixed-line telephone subscription. Fibre and cable connections in particular are frequently sold as standalone broadband products or combined solely with a television package. If you have no use for a home telephone line, ask specifically for an internet-only plan when enquiring with providers to avoid paying for a service you will not use.