Minister: Introduction of 5G network in Serbia possible next year

A public debate on the regulation of the 5G network will begin in the following days, and after that, the competition for the allocation of frequencies will begin. The auction for the 5G network was envisaged three years ago, but then it was said that it might not be the right moment.

Jovanovic told RTS that several steps are needed before the introduction of the 5G network in Serbia and that the first one was made this year when the Parliament, at the proposal of the Government, adopted the Law on Electronic Communications, which defines the existence of these next-generation networks and obligation to provide fast and secure internet to all citizens.

The second step is the regulation, which is up for public discussion from next week.

"And there is a good reason why I would say now is the right time to slowly start preparing for the 5G network, expecting to get the first users by the end of 2024, that is, next year. One of the important reasons that we didn't do it earlier is that we weren't ready in terms of laws and by-laws. Namely, this year we passed the Law on Electronic Communications. In April, the National Assembly adopted this law and it is the basic law on telecommunications that defines this area, and by that law next year, I expect that there will be a regulation at the public hearing that will determine in more detail how we will conduct that 5G auction," said Jovanovic.