WITH 300,000 USERS VIP-NET TAKES OVER MORE THAN HALF CRO. MARKET

ZAGREB, June 30 (Hina) - In a year of commercial activity, Croatia's mobile telephone operator VIP-net has conquered a staggering 52 percent of Croatia's telecommunications market. At present, VIP-net has more than 300,000 users, of which approximately two thirds use prepaid services. The company's representatives today presented VIPme.roaming, which enables prepaid service users to telephone abroad. As of July 1, VIPme users may make telephone calls to 69 countries at the same roaming price valid for VIP subscribers. To be able to access VIPme.roaming, they must have a valid Diners or American Express credit card for monthly payments. Thus far, VIP-net has covered more than 90 percent of Croatia's population with a quality signal, which is three months head of deadline. The provider, which currently employs 600 people, expects a 95-percent coverage by year's end. VIP-net representatives today briefed reporters also on a change in the company's ownership structure. Hrvatska Postanska Banka, which was unable to meet demands for recapitalisation necessary to realise plans ahead of schedule, is no longer in the ownership structure. The bank's 4.9 share was taken over by VIP-net's majority owner, Mobilkom Austria, whose share is 56 percent. Western Wireless International has a 19-percent, Vecernji List and Croatia Osiguranje a 10-percent each, and Ingra the remaining 5-percent ownership share. (hina) ha jn