Czechia Has the Second Most Expensive Mobile Internet in the EU

The Czech Republic ranks as one of the most expensive countries in Europe for mobile internet.

Recent data reveals that the country is second only to Latvia in terms of high internet costs within the European Union. Globally, the situation isn’t much better, as Czechia ranks 193rd out of 237 countries evaluated for mobile data affordability.

According to the British server Cable.co.uk, the average price for 1 GB of mobile data in Czechia was a staggering 70.95 CZK last year.

By comparison, Austria offers the same data for as little as 0.47 euros (around 12 CZK), while Italy provides a gigabyte for a mere 0.08 euros (about 2 CZK).

A History of High Prices

“Expensive data has been a long-standing issue in the Czech Republic,” says Martin Thienel from Kalkulátor.cz, an online price comparison platform. “When compared to neighboring Austria or even popular holiday destinations like Italy, where mobile internet is significantly cheaper, the situation here is disheartening.”

The most recent analysis covered over 5,600 tariffs worldwide between June and September 2023. It revealed that the cheapest gigabyte in Czechia costs 19.97 CZK, while the most expensive reaches an eye-watering 349 CZK. For context, the global average price is $0.46 (roughly 10 CZK), making the Czech average almost seven times higher.

Progress, but at a Snail’s Pace

While prices have gradually decreased in recent years, the pace is far from encouraging. In 2021, the average price for 1 GB of data was close to 200 CZK, and in 2022 it dropped slightly to 90 CZK. By 2023, the average had improved, but Czechia remains far behind most European nations.

Thienel explains that the Telecommunications Amendment Law, introduced in April 2020, helped bring some relief by allowing customers to switch providers without penalty after three months. “This has forced operators to be more competitive, but the price reductions are still moving too slowly compared to other countries.”

How to Save on Mobile Internet

For consumers looking to lower their internet bills, there are practical steps to take:

1. Compare Regularly: Evaluate offers from the three major operators and various virtual providers. Many people pay for services they don’t use, such as unlimited calls or SMS, which may not be necessary if you primarily use data.
2. Leverage Expert Tools: Platforms like Kalkulátor.cz offer tools to find tailor-made tariffs. Operators are promoting seasonal discounts and Christmas packages, making this an excellent time to reassess your plan.
3. Under-the-Counter Deals: Some of the best savings come from unadvertised offers, which experts at Kalkulátor.cz can help you access. “These deals often save users hundreds of crowns a month,” says Thienel.

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