📡How to Obtain a 5G License in Serbia: Quick Legal & Regulatory Guide (2025)
With Serbia’s ambitious 5G rollout accelerating, understanding how to obtain a 5G license in Serbia is essential for telecom operators, investors, and legal professionals. In May 2025, the Serbian government introduced a detailed Rulebook setting out the conditions, auction process, and obligations tied to 5G spectrum allocation.
This quick guide walks you through the regulatory framework, frequency bands available, license fees, rollout obligations, and strategic considerations — all based on the latest legislation and expert commentary.
In May 2025, Serbia adopted a new Rulebook on Minimum Conditions for Granting Individual Licenses for the Use of Radiofrequency Spectrum through public auction. This rulebook governs access to strategic frequency bands that will serve as the backbone of Serbia’s 5G infrastructure development. The process is regulated by RATEL (Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services), which officially launched the auction procedure for up to three licenses.
⚖️ Legal Framework
Law on Electronic Communications (Official Gazette RS no. 35/23)
Adopted by: Minister of Information and Telecommunications
Rulebook Effective: May 24, 2025 (Official Gazette RS no. 44/2025)
License Expiry: March 5, 2047 (non-renewable, unless reissued under Article 109 of the Law)
📡Frequency Bands and Spectrum Structure
The rulebook covers six frequency ranges, structured as paired or unpaired blocks:
| Frequency Range | Block Size | Total Blocks | Max Allocation per Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 694–790 MHz | 6 blocks × 5 MHz (paired) | 2×30 MHz | 2×10 MHz |
| 880–915 / 925–960 MHz | 6 blocks × 5 MHz (paired) | 2×30 MHz | 2×10 MHz |
| 1710–1785 / 1805–1880 MHz | 15 blocks × 5 MHz (paired) | 2×75 MHz | 2×25 MHz |
| 1920–1980 / 2110–2170 MHz | 9 blocks × 5 MHz (paired) | 2×45 MHz | 2×15 MHz |
| 2500–2690 MHz | 12 blocks × 5 MHz (paired) | 2×60 MHz | 2×20 MHz |
| 3400–3800 MHz | 39 blocks × 10 MHz (unpaired) | 390 MHz | 130 MHz |
Each license must include a minimum package comprising blocks from all six bands, ensuring balanced spectrum distribution.
💶 Licensing Fees and Payment Schedule
Minimum fees (exclusive of auction results):
| Frequency Band | Minimum License Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 694–790 MHz | €19,520,000 |
| 880–915 / 925–960 MHz | €15,910,000 |
| 1710–1785 / 1805–1880 MHz | €13,700,000 |
| 1920–1980 / 2110–2170 MHz | €7,170,000 |
| 2500–2690 MHz | €8,200,000 |
| 3400–3800 MHz | €35,500,000 |
Payment terms:
In two equal installments, in RSD, using NBS exchange rate on payment date:
First installment before license issuance
Second by June 30, 2026
🛰️ Scope of Licensed Services
License holders must:
Provide public electronic communication services for GSM and IMT (5G) systems
Operate on a technology-neutral basis
🌍 Coverage and Rollout Obligations
📅 Timeline-Based 5G Deployment
Licensees are required to meet strict, escalating obligations over a 5-year period:
1 Year: Minimum 200 active gNodeBs
Belgrade: 120
Novi Sad: 20
Niš: 15
Kragujevac: 10
Subotica: 5
All science and tech parks: ≥1 each
2 Year: Minimum 1,000 gNodeBs
22 designated cities: ≥5 each
All major tourist centers (e.g., Kopaonik, Zlatibor): ≥1 each
All international airports & 24h road border crossings: ≥1 each
3 Year: Minimum 2,000 gNodeBs
All settlements >10,000 population: ≥3
IA-category state roads: ≥1 every 50 km
4 Year: Minimum 3,300 gNodeBs
All settlements >5,000: ≥1
IB-category roads >50 km: ≥1 every 50 km
Continuous 5G coverage on IA roads (interruptions ≤0.5 km)
5 Year: Minimum 4,500 gNodeBs
All settlements >3,000: ≥1
Full 5G signal coverage on:
IB roads (interruptions ≤0.5 km every 30 km)
Railway Corridor X (RSRP > -112 dBm, indoor)
Railway Corridor XI: ≥1 gNodeB every 40 km
🏗️ Special Facilities & Infrastructure
New IA roads: covered within 2 years of opening
New IB roads: covered within 3 years of opening
All new tech parks (e.g., Kragujevac Innovation District): ≥1 gNodeB within 1 year of operation
EXPO 2027 site: ≥2 gNodeBs and full transport corridor coverage by end of 2026
🧭 Underserved Areas
Minimum 90% population coverage in 5+ low-connectivity municipalities
(e.g., Medveđa, Babušnica, Trgovište, Golubac, Svrljig)Coverage to be ensured by end of Year 3
❗ National roaming base stations do not count toward these obligations.
📈 Strategic Implications & Commentary
🔍 RATEL’s Auction Launch
RATEL’s public auction process allows current and new operators to compete for spectrum access. With only three licenses available, competition is expected to be fierce.
🔧 Infrastructure Shift: From Macro to Micro Cells
As explained by telecom expert Aleksandar Mastilović:
5G is not focused solely on internet or voice
Enables massive sensor networks and “smart” applications: cities, factories, autonomous transport
Requires dense microcell installations, especially in urban areas, with nodes every ~100 meters
Full infrastructure deployment will span several years, likely aligned with EXPO 2027
🔄 Technology-Neutral Licensing & Future 6G Compatibility
Licenses are spectrum-specific, not generation-specific
Regulators may transition to general authorizations (spectrum-agnostic)
This allows operators to shift from 5G to 6G as a commercial decision, not a regulatory mandate
✅ Compliance and Monitoring
RATEL will define specific criteria for coverage verification
Obligations must be met independently (no reliance on roaming or third-party infrastructure)
Non-compliance may result in license revocation or financial penalties under Article 102 of the Law
🧭 Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
1. For Investors:
Entry costs are high but stable (20+ year term)
Strong alignment with national infrastructure (roads, railways, EXPO 2027)
2. For Operators:
Balanced spectrum distribution across all key 5G bands
High rollout obligations with detailed territorial milestones
3. For Legal Advisors:
Multiple legal sources govern licensing and spectrum usage
Carefully track deadlines, installment payments, and compliance clauses
📌 Conclusion
The 2025 Rulebook and public auction process mark a turning point in Serbia’s digital transformation — opening up unprecedented opportunities for operators and investors ready to build the future of connectivity.
If you’re exploring how to obtain a 5G license in Serbia, now is the time to act. With only three licenses available and detailed rollout obligations in place, early legal preparation and regulatory insight will be crucial for success.
Need guidance on how to obtain a 5G license in Serbia, through the application, compliance, or rollout planning? Our team stands ready to support your next move in Serbia’s 5G market.