The Serbian Government has adopted a new Strategy for the Development of Electronic Communications Systems through 2027, with a particular focus on the rollout of the 5G network, which has garnered significant public attention.
According to the Ministry of Information, the regulatory framework for introducing 5G and establishing security standards will be completed this year. Biznis.rs outlines the key steps required for the widespread adoption of 5G in Serbia. The initial measure, “Introduction of 5G networks in Serbia,” includes preparing regulatory frameworks and security standards essential for implementing advanced 5G networks and continuing the development of “optical connecting roads” in both urban and rural areas.
The current strategy builds on previous discussions about 5G technology, with the first strategy addressing this issue dating back to 2018. An auction for the sale of frequency spectrum for 5G was initially scheduled for 2020.
The new strategy details the necessary steps for implementation, including the preparation of regulatory frameworks and security standards crucial for advanced 5G networks. It also mentions ongoing work on “optical connecting roads” across various regions.
Additionally, the strategy notes that a regulatory framework has already been established in Serbia, providing a strong foundation for further progress in this field. Biznis.rs reported in October last year that Dragana Ilić, president of NALED’s Council for e-Government, highlighted the importance of the new Law on Electronic Communications in setting the stage for the 5G auction.
Ilić emphasized that the ministry should define the specific conditions for granting licenses through a rulebook, based on which RATEL will conduct the auction. NALED expressed satisfaction with the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications’ cooperation during the law’s drafting process and hopes for a transparent process in licensing for the 5G spectrum.
The strategy plans to finalize the “Rule on minimum conditions for issuing individual licenses for the use of radio frequency spectrum for 5G networks” by the end of September this year. Following this, RATEL will conduct an auction and issue permits in 2025, allowing operators to begin deploying the 5G network.
Interest in 5G spectrum was evident from the public call by RATEL in 2021, where four operators—SBB, Telekom Srbija, Telenor (now Yettel), and A1—expressed interest. For comprehensive 5G coverage in Serbia, approximately 6,000 base stations are estimated to be needed.
The business community has long advocated for a 5G auction, with Croatia and Montenegro already ahead in terms of 5G availability. Croatia held a public auction in August 2021, granting licenses for various frequency bands and earning €47.8 million. Montenegro, the newest member of the 5G club in the region, held its auction in February 2023, raising €8.8 million, and Albania is expected to launch its 5G network this year.
Currently, the scientific community in Serbia is benefiting from 5G, with science and technology parks already covered and the EXPO 2027 complex also set to be covered. The introduction of new generation networks will be accompanied by a unique electronic record for base station installations and regular radiation level measurements.
