Telecom in Austria (2026)

Austria's telecom market is built on three physical network operators that own the mobile infrastructure, plus a growing number of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that resell access on those networks at lower prices.

Network Operators (MNOs)

• 1

  A1 Telekom Austria

  The former state monopoly and still Austria's largest provider. Operates the most extensive network with the best coverage in rural and Alpine regions. Part of the América Móvil group. Also Austria's largest fixed-line and fiber provider.

• 2

  Magenta Telekom (T-Mobile Austria)

  Part of Deutsche Telekom. Merged with UPC Austria (cable TV) in 2019, making it a major triple-play provider (mobile + internet + TV). Strong urban coverage and competitive pricing.

• 3

  Drei (Hutchison Drei Austria)

  Part of CK Hutchison. Known for generous data plans and aggressive pricing. Also offers 5G fixed wireless home internet as an alternative to cable or fiber. Good urban coverage, slightly less reliable in remote areas.

MVNOs (Virtual Operators)

MVNOs do not own network infrastructure but lease capacity from MNOs. They typically offer lower prices and no long-term contracts, making them popular with residents and budget-conscious users:

• HoT (Hofer Telekom): On the Magenta network. Austria's most popular MVNO, sold at Hofer supermarkets.
• spusu: On the Drei network. Known for flexible, high-data plans at very low prices.
• yesss!: On the A1 network. Ultra-budget option with basic plans, and A1's main discount brand since it closed bob in July 2026.
• LIDL Connect: On the Drei network. Sold at Lidl supermarkets.
• eety: On the Drei network. Prepaid with data in Turkey, Switzerland and the UK.
• Lycamobile: On the A1 network. Prepaid with calls to other countries.

Fixed-line networks

Home internet runs on different wires. A1 owns the national copper and fibre network and passed 987,000 homes with fibre at the end of 2025 (A1 Group results, February 2026). Magenta runs the former UPC cable network with speeds up to 2 Gbit/s. Regional cable operators such as LIWEST (Upper Austria) and kabelplus (Lower Austria, Burgenland) own their own lines. Open-access fibre networks such as öGIG and nöGIG build the fibre and let several internet providers sell over it, so you can pick a provider without a second dig.

Telekom Austria AG, trading as the A1 Telekom Austria Group, is Austria's largest telecommunications operator, headquartered in Vienna. It is majority-controlled by América Móvil (the Mexican group behind Claro/Telcel) with about 60%, and the Austrian state holding ÖBAG owns 28.42%. It is publicly listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse) under the ticker TKA. The A1 brand is its Austrian operating company.

Sources: A1 Group and markets, A1 Group results Q4 and full year 2025 (February 2026), Moody's credit opinion (November 2024). Ownership shifts over time.

All three network operators provide excellent 4G coverage in urban areas (Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck). The key differences emerge in rural and mountainous regions, and in 5G rollout progress.

Operator figures as of October 2026: A1 from its full-year 2025 results, Magenta from magenta.at (2,680 5G sites). The two use different measures, so they are not directly comparable. Across all networks, outdoor 5G covers about 100% of households (Breitband-Evaluierungsbericht 2024, Q2/2024).

Austria's telecom prices are competitive within Western Europe. Here is what you can expect to pay in 2026. For a full budget breakdown, see our cost of living guide.

Real tariffs as of October 2026: the cheapest HoT SIM is HoT smart MINI at €1.90 for 550 MB, and spusu starts at €2.90 a month for 1 GB on the Drei network. Lycamobile and Drei both sell unlimited data from €24.90. For home internet, Magenta cable starts at €29.90 a month for 100 Mbit/s and Drei 5G home internet at €25.90. Most fixed-line offers add months free at the start, so compare the price over the full 24 months.

All prices per month including 20% VAT. See our VAT guide for how Austrian taxes work.

The Austrian telecom market is regulated by the RTR (Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH) and the TKK (Telekom-Control-Kommission). Key consumer protections include:

• SIM registration: Since 2019, all SIM cards must be registered with a valid passport or EU ID. This applies to both prepaid and contract SIMs.
• EU roaming: Under EU regulations, you can use your Austrian SIM in any EU/EEA country at no extra charge ("Roam Like at Home").
• Number portability: You can switch providers while keeping your phone number. Porting is free and takes 1–3 business days.
• Contract transparency: Providers must clearly state minimum contract terms, cancellation policies, and total costs. The Arbeiterkammer offers free consumer advice if disputes arise.
• Net neutrality: Austria follows EU net neutrality rules. Providers cannot throttle or prioritize traffic for commercial reasons.
• Contract length: Under § 135 TKG 2021, a minimum term may not exceed 24 months, every provider must also offer each service with a term of at most 12 months, and after the minimum term you can cancel with one month's notice. The provider must remind you in writing before the cancellation deadline and tell you your best tariff once a year.
• Internet speed: Measure your line with the RTR test at netztest.at. If a fixed line stays well below the speed in your contract, you can claim a price reduction or leave; our internet guide explains the steps.
• Neutral tools: Check fixed and mobile coverage at your address in the Breitbandatlas, and compare internet tariffs without advertising in the AK internet tariff calculator.

• 1

  Start with a prepaid SIM on day one

  Buy a HoT or spusu SIM at any Hofer or Spar supermarket. You only need your passport. See our SIM card guide for detailed comparisons.

• 2

  Wait for your Meldezettel before signing contracts

  Contract plans and home internet require proof of address ( Meldezettel) and usually an Austrian bank account for direct debit.

• 3

  Check coverage at your specific address

  Coverage varies significantly between buildings in the same neighbourhood. Use provider coverage checkers and ask neighbours which provider works best.

• 4

  Consider bundling for savings

  A1 and Magenta offer discounts when you combine mobile, home internet, and TV. Savings of 5–15 EUR per month are common.

• 5

  Keep your Austrian number

  Your Austrian phone number becomes tied to banking, digital ID (ID Austria), and many services. Porting between providers is free if you switch.