5G regulation and law in Serbia

Currently, 5G technology is not available in Serbia.

The Serbian government has adopted a new strategy for electronic communications development through 2027, with an emphasis on advancing 5G infrastructure. This includes establishing regulatory frameworks, enhancing security standards, and constructing optical networks to support widespread 5G coverage. A 5G spectrum auction is planned for 2025.

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According to the proposal of the Minimum Conditions for Issuing Individual Licenses for Radio Frequency Spectrum, which outlines the process for granting licenses in several frequency bands (694-790 MHz, 880-915/925-960 MHz, 1710-1780/1805-1875 MHz, 1920-1980/2110-2170 MHz, 2500-2690 MHz, 3400-3800 MHz) based on public auctions (Minimum Conditions) the Serbian regulatory body will issue up to three individual radio frequency licenses through auctions, valid until March 2047 with possibility of renewal. Minimum fees for licenses vary by spectrum band, starting from EUR 2.39m (USD2.48m) to EUR 15m (USD 15.55m) for specific MHz ranges. Licensees must ensure 5G network coverage on new highways, technology parks, and EXPO 2027 infrastructure by set deadlines. These measures align with national development goals and support advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has adopted a general Allocation Plan for Radio Frequency Spectrum Use as well as three specific allocation plans, reserving 700 MHz (694-790 MHz), 2500-2690 MHz and 3400-3800 MHz frequency bands for IMT-2020 purposes.

While the 5G auction, initially set for 2021, is now expected in 2025, the Ministry of Telecommunications is holding consultations on the Minimum Conditions based on public auctions.

Meanwhile, the Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RATEL) has granted temporary user rights in the 3400-3800 MHz frequency bands.

There are no 5G-specific rules.

There is no focused 5G network or spectrum sharing regulation in place.

There are no 5G network sharing or spectrum sharing agreements in place.

There are no specific rules on infrastructure sharing, apart from the general provisions in the Electronic Communication Law, which says operators must negotiate with others. Any spectrum sharing agreements, however, must be approved by RATEL.

There are no formal legal restrictions. In September 2020, Serbia and Kosovo, with strong support from the US administration, signed an agreement to normalize economic ties. As part of this agreement, both parties committed to refraining from using 5G equipment supplied by Chinese vendors or other “untrusted vendors” in their communications networks and to removing such equipment if already installed. With the new US administration, it can be expected that these agreements, although not fully implemented, could be revisited or renewed, potentially leading to the removal of any deployed Chinese technology.

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