European Union and Germany bring free public Wi-Fi to 116 municipalities across BiH

European Union and Germany bring free public Wi-Fi to 116 municipalities across BiH

The rollout of free public Wi-Fi networks across Bosnia and Herzegovina officially started today in Banja Luka at Kuća Milanovića, under the EU WiFi 4 Western Balkans (WiFi4WB) initiative. Through this programme, citizens in 116 municipalities across the country will gradually gain access to free, fast and reliable internet in public spaces such as squares, parks, libraries, schools and cultural institutions.

This initiative is part of the EU4Digital project, financed by the European Union and Germany, and implemented by GIZ. It will bring free public public Wi-Fi to around 500 municipalities across the Western Balkans, building on the success of the EU WiFi4EU programme, which has already provided free public internet access to more than 7,000 communities across Europe.

The same model of free public connectivity is now being extended to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region, enabling citizens to benefit from online services more easily.

The first free hotspot in Bosnia and Herzegovina was activated by the BiH Minister of Communications and Transport Edin Forto, the Mayor of Banja Luka Draško Stanivuković, EU Ambassador to BiH Luigi Soreca, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to BiH Bernhard Abels, and General Director of M:tel Jelena Trivan.

"There are thousands of municipalities across the European Union already benefiting from free public Wi-Fi through EU support, and today municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina are joining them. Free public Wi-Fi is not a luxury, but basic infrastructure. The EU is investing in things that matter in citizens' everyday lives, schools, hospitals, transport, clean energy and digital connectivity. Our support reflects the kind of European future we are building together, one based on connectivity, opportunity and a better quality of life for all citizens," said Ambassador Soreca.

The European Union and Germany are covering the full cost of installation and maintenance of the Wi-Fi hotspots across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Bernhard Abels stressed the importance of equal access to digital services for all citizens: "Access to reliable internet is crucial for modern life, and this project, a collaboration between Germany and the European Union, aims to deliver free public Wi-Fi to 500 municipalities across the region - including 116 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our aim is to help Bosnia and Herzegovina become a more modern and developed country. Germany remains committed to the digital development of the Western Balkans and to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards EU membership", said Abels.

The Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina Edin Forto welcomed the initiative as an important step towards improving digital infrastructure and connectivity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Expanding free public Wi-Fi across local communities helps improve digital connectivity, supports the digitalization of public services, reduces the digital divide, and brings citizens closer to the opportunities of the digital economy. This is the type of infrastructure that will decide on who gets to be a step ahead", said Minister Forto.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the City of Banja Luka and GIZ, formalising the local implementation of the project, followed by a symbolic "first login" to the WiFi4WB network.

"The launch of the WiFi4WB initiative represents an important step towards a modern, connected, and accessible Banja Luka and Republika Srpska. Today, from Kuća Milanovića, we are sending a clear message: we want a city where internet access is available to everyone, without limitations, because digital connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a basic necessity for every person. We are proud that Banja Luka is part of a project that will cover 116 municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that together with our partners from the European Union and international institutions we are building the foundations for stronger development, education, and economy. We continue to work in a concrete and responsible way, investing in infrastructure, young people, and the future. Banja Luka is moving forward, in step with modern European trends", said Mayor Stanivukovic.

Telecom operator Mtel was selected through a public tender to implement and maintain the Wi-Fi infrastructure financed by the European Union and Germany at selected public locations.

Over the coming weeks, citizens across Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to connect to free Wi-Fi networks in public spaces in their communities, joining thousands of cities and municipalities across Europe already benefiting from similar EU-funded programmes.