The 2025–2026 review of universal electronic communications services has been completed

The purpose of the universal service is to ensure that adequate fixed broadband internet access and telephone services are available throughout Hungary, and that consumers with low incomes or in special social circumstances can access these services at affordable prices.

During the new period, the connection fee for the affordable service will remain HUF 0. The highest monthly fee for fixed-access telephone services is HUF 1,138 (gross), which includes 64 minutes of domestic calls with no additional traffic-based fees. The maximum monthly fee for fixed internet access is HUF 2,647 (gross), and the maximum monthly fee for a combined telephone and internet service package is HUF 3,785 (gross). These amounts were determined in the NMHH’s review report published in May 2026.

No single area code region could be identified in which universal service with download speeds of at least 8 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 2 Mbps would have been available to all end users throughout the entire period under review, and where affordable universal service would have been available to all consumers; furthermore, no state subsidies are available to ensure access to affordable universal service.

Accordingly, it was appropriate to identify all area code regions as uncovered and unserved area code regions.

Compared to the rates set during the previous review, the monthly amounts have increased:

• for telephone service, from HUF 899 to HUF 1,138,
• for internet service, from HUF 1,766 to HUF 2,647,
• and where the two services are used together, from HUF 2,665 to HUF 3,785.

In setting the rates, the NMHH took into account, among other things, households’ income levels, expenses, and the amounts spent on telecommunications services. The minimum volume of domestic calls that must be provided without an additional traffic-based fee will decrease from 105 minutes to 64 minutes per month, in line with changes in telephone usage patterns.

Not all consumers are eligible for the affordable price. Eligible consumers with low income or in special social circumstances must declare their eligibility when submitting their application and must provide the service provider with a copy of a decision or official certificate issued no more than 30 days prior to verify their eligibility. The NMHH has summarised in a separate information notice which documents are required for each category of eligibility; designated service providers are also required to publish this information on their own websites.

The process that has just been completed is part of the periodic review stipulated by NMHH Decree No. 19/2020 (XII. 18) (the “Decree”).

The NMHH began the new review within three years of the publication of the results of the previous review. In doing so, the Authority assessed whether universal service is available under appropriate conditions and determined a price level that would enable even low-income consumers and those in special social circumstances to access the services.

The NMHH determined that all area code regions continue to be classified as uncovered or underserved in terms of affordability; therefore, maintaining the universal service obligation remains justified.

The NMHH published the results of the review in May 2026. Subsequently, in accordance with the Decree, anyone was given the opportunity to submit comments regarding the identified area code regions and the affordable price.

The NMHH reviewed the comments received from the service provider and then published its official position on the matter in June; based on those comments, the outcome of the review remained unchanged.

The Authority adopted the designation decisions, which have become final. In accordance with the provisions of the Decree, on 27 August, an information notice regarding the documentation required to access affordable services was first published, followed by notices regarding designated universal service providers and the scope of universal service obligations.