Pandemic Postpones Implementation of 5G Network in Serbia – Tender for Permits Possible in Late 2021

Serbia is continuing the development of 5G network, but its implementation is postponed as one of the economic consequences of the pandemic, Serbian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Tatjana Matic stated today.

She says that the public tender for the issuing of individual permits for the radio frequencies in the ranges for the development of new mobile systems can be expected no sooner than in late 2021.

She says for Politika that the industry and the scientific community have the biggest need for the implementation and development of the 5G network.

– However, due to the pandemic, the industry is unable to currently support the implementation of a new generation network. The problem is not down to mobile operators, as the media reported, because their plans include the funds for the purchase of the frequency range at the auction that was announced for the end of the year. Serbia is certainly to continue developing the 5G network – Matic said.

The minister says that the Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services will continue carrying out the activities which entail an active dialogue with electronic communications operators, where they will express their interest and present the problems they are facing.

She points out that a broadband network is being implemented in rural areas, which will contribute to raising the quality of life.

She says that, in Serbia, only around 125,000, or 5%, of the total number of households, have no possibility of online access.

– So far, we have opened three public calls for mobile operators and the first agreements have already been signed. The third public call opened on December 11, for 386 settlements, and the opening of the bids is scheduled for January 18 – Matic said.

The government aims to enable access to fast internet for each household by 2025, she said.

Ministarstvo turizma i omladine Republike Srbije

RATEL Beograd

Ministarstvo privrede Republike Srbije

Minister of Trade Tourism and Telecommunications

Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services

Ministry of Economy

Tatjana Matic

development of 5G network

5G network

broadband internet

fast internet