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 has become essential for telecom operators, infrastructure investors, and regulatory advisors.

Our regulatory analysis of Serbia’s 5G spectrum auction was recently referenced by Mobile Europe, one of the leading telecom industry publications covering European network policy and infrastructure developments. This international industry attention reflects the strategic importance of Serbia’s 2025 spectrum allocation process.

In May 2025, Serbia adopted a new Rulebook on Minimum Conditions for Granting Individual Licenses for the Use of Radiofrequency Spectrum through public auction. The Rulebook defines the eligibility criteria, auction structure, license fees, coverage obligations, and compliance mechanisms tied to the allocation of key spectrum bands that will serve as the backbone of Serbia’s 5G infrastructure.

This guide provides a structured overview of:

• The legal framework governing the auction

• Available frequency bands and spectrum structure

• License fees and payment schedule

• Technology-neutral licensing principles

• Rollout and coverage obligations

• Compliance risks and monitoring mechanisms

• Strategic implications for operators and investors

The process is regulated by RATEL (Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services), which has formally initiated the auction procedure for up to three long-term licenses expiring in 2047.

Legal Framework

1. Primary Legislation

Law on Electronic Communications (Official Gazette RS No. 35/23)

This law establishes:

• The legal basis for granting individual spectrum licenses

• The authority of the national regulator

• Conditions for spectrum usage

• Sanctions and grounds for license revocation

• General principles of technology neutrality

It provides the statutory foundation for spectrum allocation.

2. Secondary Legislation

Rulebook on Minimum Conditions for Granting Individual Licenses through Public Auction
(Official Gazette RS No. 44/2025, effective May 24, 2025)

Adopted by the Minister of Information and Telecommunications, the Rulebook:

• Defines the auction format and procedural rules

• Specifies spectrum blocks and allocation limits

• Establishes minimum license fees

• Sets rollout and coverage obligations

• Determines financial guarantees and payment schedules

The Rulebook operationalizes the Law for the specific 5G auction cycle.

3. Regulatory Authority

The auction process is conducted and supervised by the national telecom regulator, RATEL.

RATEL is responsible for:

• Publishing auction documentation

• Verifying bidder eligibility

• Conducting the auction procedure

• Monitoring compliance

• Enforcing coverage and spectrum use obligations

Up to three individual licenses are available under the current auction framework.

4. License Duration

The awarded licenses:

• Expire on March 5, 2047

• Are not automatically renewable

• May be subject to reissuance in accordance with Article 109 of the Law

This structure creates a long-term but finite regulatory horizon for spectrum holders.

Frequency Bands and Spectrum Structure

The rulebook covers six frequency ranges, structured as paired or unpaired blocks:

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):

Payment terms:

• In two equal installments, in RSD, using NBS exchange rate on payment date:

  1. First installment before license issuance

  2. 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.