Consumers are embracing the 5G technology
In recent years, Romania has experienced a significant surge in mobile internet usage, driven by technological advancements and increased accessibility. Mobile connectivity has become increasingly pervasive throughout the country, with an internet penetration rate exceeding 84 percent in 2023 and projected to reach 98 percent by 2029. One notable trend in mobile internet usage is the steady decline in the share of 2G and 3G connections since 2017. This decline was balanced by a remarkable rise in the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies. As of June 2023, 4G and 5G connections constituted 74 percent of all mobile internet connections.The rapid adoption of 5G technology is particularly noteworthy, with approximately 1.5 million active 5G mobile connections recorded by mid-2023. This signifies the readiness of Romanian telecommunications providers to deploy cutting-edge infrastructure to meet consumer needs. Alongside expanding network capabilities, the average daily mobile internet traffic per person has grown, reaching around 308 megabytes. This surge in data consumption reflects Romanian mobile users' evolving habits and preferences.
The average online food delivery enjoyer is a married middle-aged debit card user
The primary consideration for selecting an internet provider among Romanian consumers was a reasonable price and offer. However, a segment of users, accounting for seven percent of fixed internet subscribers, felt compelled to opt for a specific provider due to limited alternatives.Regarding online transactions, payment methods are essential in facilitating e-commerce activities. Approximately 60 percent of online buyers preferred using debit cards for transactions, followed by 38 percent who opted for credit cards. Additionally, roughly a third of users relied on online payment services such as PayPal or Apple Pay, indicating a growing trust in digital payment platforms.
The e-commerce landscape in Romania also witnessed a notable shift in purchasing behaviors, particularly in the food and beverage shopping market. In 2022, 35 percent of regular e-shoppers bought fresh food and beverages online. Interestingly, a considerable proportion of these online food shoppers, around a third, were aged 50 years or older. Moreover, over half of the online food shoppers were married, suggesting that family dynamics and household needs influence purchasing decisions in this category.
