Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, which promises fast and stable connections even in remote areas, is reportedly close to launching in this region. According to information obtained by eKapija, negotiations with the company have been ongoing with the domestic Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RATEL) since 2021. On the availability map published by Starlink, the service is expected to be available in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by 2025. However, no official confirmation has been received from RATEL. They have emphasized that Starlink will begin operations in Serbia once it meets all legal requirements.
According to RATEL, they have been in constant communication with Starlink d.o.o. Belgrade since mid-2021.
“They are currently in the process of fulfilling all legally required conditions to start offering satellite internet services in the Republic of Serbia,” RATEL representatives stated.
To become an official electronic communications operator in Serbia, Starlink must submit complete documentation in accordance with the Regulations on the General Terms for Conducting Electronic Communications Activities under the general authorization regime.
Once all requirements are met, Starlink will be able to register as an electronic communications operator in the records maintained by RATEL.
What remains unknown for now are the service pricing details for Starlink users in Serbia, as well as whether the company will collaborate with any existing telecommunications operators. All this will depend on Starlink’s business decisions and will be available after the registration process is completed.
“All information regarding the services they intend to offer in the Republic of Serbia, any potential cooperation with existing businesses or service providers, and the pricing framework falls within the business decisions of Starlink d.o.o. Belgrade and will be disclosed once all legally required prerequisites for launching this service in the Republic of Serbia are met,” RATEL representatives said.
As Dr. Miloš Jovanović, President of OpenLink Group and Associate Professor at the University of Kragujevac, previously stated to eKapija, Starlink represents a significant advantage for rural areas by providing fast and reliable internet connectivity without the need for traditional infrastructure. However, challenges such as weather conditions, potential network overload, and high equipment and subscription costs could limit its broader adoption in Serbia.
While it could contribute to digital transformation, especially in education, healthcare, and small businesses, its impact on the telecommunications market is unlikely to be dramatic. The development of fiber-optic infrastructure may reduce the need for satellite internet services.
What is Starlink and how does it work?
Starlink is a satellite internet service that uses a network of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit to provide broadband internet, even in areas where traditional infrastructure is unavailable. This system was developed by SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, with the goal of enabling global internet connectivity without relying on cable or mobile networks.
Starlink’s advantage lies in its speed and stability, making it particularly useful for rural and poorly covered areas. Users receive a special terminal (satellite dish and router) that enables direct communication with the satellites in orbit.
