Although Hungary and the Czech Republic liberalized their policies and got strong foreign investment early, Poland is still in the midst of formulating a strategy. Nonetheless, the doors are creaking open. Elektrim already owns the largest mobile operator in the country. Mobile penetration in Poland is about 8 percent, compared to 15 percent in Hungary and the Czech Republic. Some observers believe the quick expansion of mobile systems may divert some demand from traditional fixed lines.
Nevertheless demand is perceived as high.
But all that is expected to change. That should lead, Mr. Boudier said, to telecommunications penetration comparable to Western Europe. Mr. Boudier said. Vivendi isn't the only group that wants to crack the Polish market. The major telecommunications companies want to be in areas of Eastern Europe that are quickly developing a Western economic model, for instance the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Estonia.