The history of Pro-M Zrt.
Since 2005, Pro-M Zrt. has been performing one of the most important tasks in Hungarian emergency communications, which is a key pillar of safe operation. Over the past two decades, it has evolved from a project company into a strategically important state player, while undergoing continuous technological and organisational development. The milestones in the timeline below illustrate the most important stages in Pro-M’s history.
2025 — Network consolidation and portfolio expansion
Pro-M Zrt. became the central state information and communications service provider. It took over several communications networks from NISZ Zrt. and a significant part of the key public tasks of the defunct KIFÜ. In the same year, MVM NET Ltd. merged with Pro-M, significantly expanding the company’s service portfolio. This year marked a major turning point: the small company that started out as a project company grew into a leading state-owned information and communications service provider within two decades, increasing nearly tenfold in terms of total assets, tasks, number of customers and number of employees between 2015 and 2025.
2024 — Taking on new tasks – network consolidation begins
Pro-M Zrt. prepared the integration of the KIFÜ, NIIF, Sulinet and HBONE networks under the direction of the Digital Hungary Agency. This step marked the first phase of the consolidation of state networks and laid the foundation for the company’s future role. This year was all about preparation: the organisational and technological work going on in the background paved the way for the complete transformation.
2023 — Broadband expansion and international attention
Pro-M Zrt. acquired the DIGI mobile network, with nearly 2,500 base stations, radio network equipment and rights to the 1800 MHz frequency range. This shortened the development of the PPDR network by several years. The company provided the information and communications technology for Pope Francis’ visit to Budapest, as well as the entire network infrastructure for the World Athletics Championships, from mobile base stations to emergency systems. This year represented both technological progress and international attention for Pro-M.
2021–2022 — Network preparations
After the pandemic, Pro-M Zrt. redesigned its broadband network developments and began preparations for the next major development cycle. This period was about building for the future: the company strengthened its national information and communication capacity in the long term. In addition to broadband preparations, strategic planning was placed on a new footing.
2018–2020 — Strategic expansion, crisis management
Pro-M Zrt. became involved in new large-scale projects, including the development of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant and Paks II, and ensured uninterrupted operation even during the COVID-19 period. Meanwhile, it expanded its user base by nearly 250 organisations, as designated by the National Directorate General for Disaster Management. In addition to demonstrating resilience in crisis situations, customer satisfaction rose to 90% during this period and the range of services was strategically expanded.
2017 — Media attention
Pro-M Zrt. provided the information and communication infrastructure for the FINA World Championships, contributing to their successful execution. It was at this time that it introduced its new customer-centric approach, which also featured its cooperation with the partners. This year was all about major public appearances, with Pro-M demonstrating its professional expertise at high-profile state events.
2016 — Technological leap, new management
Pro-M Zrt. underwent a technological transformation: the IP-based transition began with the cooperation of Airbus, the TEI project was completed, and preparations were made for developments related to the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. An international opening began, and Dr. Ferenc István Balla became CEO, putting the company on a new growth path. This year saw a record-breaking 7 billion forint anti-terrorism development, with the joint IP transition with Airbus becoming a milestone even by European standards.
2013–2015 — Pro-M = Government service provider
Pro-M Zrt. officially became a government service provider. It developed a new strategy, strengthened its customer relationships, and launched its first EU tenders, which were successfully implemented. This period brought about a breakthrough: Pro-M was included in Decree 346/2010 and, with its successful EU tenders, proved that it could be not only an operator but also a developer.
2012 — State ownership
Pro-M Zrt. was transferred from Magyar Telekom to NISZ Zrt., thereby becoming wholly state-owned. This turning point reinforced Pro-M’s governmental role and directly involved it in the operation of state information and communication systems. The small project company then entered the state sector, raising the question of whether it could become a true government operator.
2008–2011 — Stabilisation and proof
During this period, Pro-M Zrt. expanded its services, for example with dispatching and vehicle tracking systems. It proved its worth during the Bugac fire and the Ajka red sludge disaster, ensuring uninterrupted communication for rescue operations. It also ensured the reliable operation of state networks during the Hungarian EU Presidency. This was the first period in which the project company proved its ability to perform in crisis situations and gradually become a government service provider.
2006–2007 — Development of the national EDR
The EDR network was completed by the end of 2006 and handed over in early 2007. The national system enabled the police, ambulance services and fire brigade to use a common, secure communication platform for fast and efficient cooperation. This era marked the establishment of national coverage and the complete infrastructure, which became the basis for subsequent developments.
2005 — Foundation
Pro-M Zrt. was established as a subsidiary of Magyar Telekom. Its task was to build a nationwide network for the Unified Digital Radio Communication System (EDR), which served as a reliable and secure means of communication for emergency services. Right from the start, the installation of radio towers and Telekom’s background support played an important role, laying the foundations for subsequent service development.
