25 September 2024 - Podgorica, Montenegro
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Office for Europe, in collaboration with the Government of Montenegro, was pleased to announce its visit to Podgorica, Montenegro, on 25 September 2024. During this visit, the ITU team presented the National Broadband Plan for Montenegro to the Ministry of Economic Development. As the authors of this plan, the ITU team outlined its strategic vision, objectives, and expected outcomes, highlighting its role in advancing Montenegro’s digital transformation and regional connectivity efforts.
The presentation detailed the plan’s goals for expanding high-capacity broadband internet access across Montenegro from 2025 to 2029, with a focus on infrastructure modernization, regulatory alignment, and investment facilitation. Additionally, the ITU team also engaged in discussions with the Ministry to address technical aspects, implementation challenges, and ensure the smooth execution of the plan.
The National Broadband Plan provides a comprehensive strategy to position Montenegro as a leading digital economy in the region. It focuses on expanding broadband coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and aims to modernize existing networks to support next-generation technologies such as 5G. Developed through extensive research and stakeholder consultations, the plan aligns with Montenegro’s national strategies and the broader EU digital agenda, which targets universal gigabit and 5G coverage by 2030.
This initiative is part of the ongoing collaboration between ITU and the Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro, following the Letter of Agreement signed in March 2024. The plan also supports the ITU Regional Initiative for Europe on Digital Infrastructureand serves as a model for other countries in the region.
The presentation in Podgorica marked a critical step in Montenegro’s efforts to enhance its digital infrastructure, foster an inclusive digital economy, and bridge the digital divide. It reinforced Montenegro's commitment to becoming the fastest digitally developing country in the region.
