Although Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, is available in most European countries, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro remain the only nations on the continent yet to enable this service.
However, unofficial information suggests that Starlink could arrive in the region this year, opening new possibilities for digital connectivity, particularly in rural areas. According to Starlink’s availability map, the service is expected to be operational in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro from 2025.
When asked whether negotiations or approval processes for Starlink’s operations in Serbia have begun, neither RATEL nor the Ministry of Telecommunications have provided comments so far. As Starlink rapidly gains users worldwide, the question arises: could satellite internet reshape the dynamics of telecommunications in the region?
Dr Miloš Jovanović, president of the OpenLink Group and an associate professor at the University of Kragujevac, believes that Starlink is especially attractive in areas with limited infrastructure, such as rural and hard-to-reach regions.
“Its ability to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity in rural and remote parts of Serbia represents a key comparative advantage. Traditional networks require physical infrastructure, which can be expensive and time-consuming to implement, whereas Starlink uses a network of low-orbit satellites, eliminating the need for cables and base stations. Bandwidth speeds and lower latency often surpass those offered by mobile operators in areas with poor coverage,” Professor Jovanović told eKapija.
However, he noted that this technology is not without challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges for Starlink is the impact of weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or dense clouds, which can degrade signal quality or cause interruptions. Additionally, there is the issue of network capacity as the number of users increases, which could lead to congestion and reduced internet speeds. Another technological challenge is maintaining and managing the large number of satellites in orbit, which carries the risk of collisions and space debris. In Serbia, additional challenges include legal regulations and access costs that could limit widespread use. Over the past few years, much effort has been devoted to developing fibre-optic and other infrastructure for internet access. High-speed internet via fibre-optic networks is becoming increasingly available, particularly in urban areas, which could reduce the need for satellite internet as an alternative,” he explained.
High costs as a barrier
Affordability is another factor limiting the wider adoption of this service. Initial costs, including the satellite dish and modem priced at around €500, along with a monthly subscription of €100, are significantly higher compared to traditional providers in Serbia. As a result, Jovanović does not expect significant market changes.
“Starlink may have some impact in rural and hard-to-reach areas, but it’s important to note that the initial equipment is quite expensive for the average user – around €500 for the dish and modem, while the monthly package costs around €100. This is significantly higher compared to prices from traditional providers, who provide equipment free of charge, making the economic aspect of the service a major consideration. Moreover, users already have access to faster and cheaper options. In this context, while Starlink might attract some users in specific areas, its overall market impact will not be dramatic. Existing providers, who already offer competitive services, will not be significantly threatened, and the overall market dynamics will remain largely unchanged,” Jovanović said.
The question of Starlink’s impact on the telecommunications market remains complex. In examples from other countries, such as Croatia, where the service has been available since 2021, the impact on competition has been minimal.
“In Croatia, where the service has been available since November 2021, the market impact has been minimal. Major providers have not lost customers, and Starlink has not attracted a large number of users, which is particularly noteworthy considering that Croatia, although an EU and NATO member, is not among the countries with the fastest internet in Europe,” he explained.
Satellites in orbit: A longstanding technology
Regarding Starlink’s potential to improve internet connectivity in Serbia, Jovanović pointed out that satellite internet has been used for decades in aviation, maritime sectors, and remote regions.
“It’s important to note that satellite internet technology is not new. People in Serbia were already using satellite internet connections in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and such services remain available today through various providers. Satellite internet has long been used for communication in aviation, at sea, and in many remote locations worldwide. While Starlink can bring certain advantages in terms of speed and stability in some regions, it’s important to understand that the concept itself is not new and that alternatives have existed for some time. Naturally, for users in areas where other options are unavailable or prohibitively expensive, Starlink could provide value and open new opportunities for remote work, education, and access to digital services,” Jovanović said in an interview with eKapija.
Changing the game for rural areas
The availability of Starlink, he believes, could contribute to Serbia’s digital transformation, particularly in business, education, and e-health, by enabling internet access in hard-to-reach areas.
“This could create the infrastructural prerequisites for better connectivity for small and medium enterprises, remote learning, and telemedicine services, which could improve healthcare in rural regions. It’s important to note that projects in telemedicine require significant structural reforms of the healthcare system, as well as substantial investments. Considering the recently announced strategic dialogue between Serbia and the US, potential cooperation between the Serbian government and Starlink could improve connectivity in key sectors such as healthcare and education, which are crucial for overall digital transformation,” Jovanović explained.
Military and security aspects
He emphasized the importance of considering security issues.
“Internet access through infrastructure owned by other countries can have implications for sovereignty and data security, as well as for the overall connectivity of critical national infrastructure,” he stressed.
Jovanović also noted that in addition to its commercial benefits, Starlink has strategic significance.
“Starlink has supported US military operations, particularly during the war in Ukraine, where it provided stable satellite internet connections for Ukrainian military and government structures, enabling better coordination and communication in areas with destroyed infrastructure. Beyond Ukraine, Starlink has been used in other crisis situations, such as natural disasters where mobile internet services were disrupted, as well as in US military missions in Syria, where it supported communication and data transmission in remote areas. These examples show how Starlink, while a commercial service, plays a significant role in modern military operations,” he concluded.
(eKapija, 15.01.2025)
https://www.ekapija.com/news/5027280/kada-nam-dolazi-starlink-koliko-kosta-i-imamo-li-cega-da-se