Operators in Serbia with over 1.5 million users and annual revenues above €300 million are eligible to participate in the ongoing 5G frequency auction, running until October 20.
Telecommunications expert Aleksandar Mastilović explains that acquiring a 5G license is not just a technical step but a strategic decision, allowing operators to plan long-term service development. Globally, telecom operators face declining profit margins, with more revenue generated by internet-based services and AI development rather than traditional telecom services.
5G offers operators opportunities beyond mobile internet for consumers, enabling machine-to-machine communications, Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, industrial automation, and business digital platforms. However, licenses require significant investment in network infrastructure, modernization of base stations, and employee training.
For consumers, the most visible effect will be faster internet, lower latency, improved video calls, quicker downloads, and seamless online gaming. The true value, however, lies in enabling new services such as augmented and virtual reality, smart transport, telemedicine, and connected smart homes.
5G also allows thousands of devices to connect simultaneously without quality loss, supporting large-scale sensor networks for smart city management, energy metering, and industrial applications. Temporary network capacity can be expanded at crowded events using micro base stations or drones.
In short, 5G is a strategic platform for Serbia’s telecom operators, offering both opportunities for new revenue streams and obligations for significant infrastructure and technological investments.
