During the Mobile World Congress 2026 held in Barcelona, Crnogorski Telekom and Ericsson Nikola Tesla announced the continuation of their partnership focused on advancing Montenegro’s mobile network infrastructure. The agreement, signed by Stjepan Udovičić, CEO of Crnogorski Telekom, and Siniša Krajnović, President of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla, outlines plans for the next phase of developing Telekom’s 5G network and associated digital infrastructure.
The renewed collaboration aims to bolster network capacity, enhance service quality, and expand coverage in response to the increasing demand for mobile data and digital services. The companies will deploy advanced telecommunications technologies to support consumer connectivity and facilitate Montenegro’s broader digital transformation.
Crnogorski Telekom’s mobile network is recognized for having the highest 4G and 5G signal coverage in Montenegro, with performance levels reportedly comparable to or exceeding those found in many European markets. The latest agreement seeks to further enhance these capabilities by increasing network capacity and extending the geographical reach of next-generation mobile services.
A significant component of the modernization initiative includes the expansion of the 3.6 GHz frequency band, commonly utilized across Europe for high-capacity 5G services. This additional spectrum will primarily target urban and suburban areas, where demand for mobile data and high-speed connectivity is most pronounced. The enhanced network will support greater bandwidth and improved performance for applications such as video streaming and cloud services.
Simultaneously, efforts will be made to improve coverage in rural and less populated regions by upgrading existing infrastructure and constructing new base stations utilizing the 700 MHz frequency band. This lower-frequency spectrum is particularly effective for achieving wider geographic coverage, allowing signals to travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more efficiently.
The modernization strategy also involves installing additional base stations to alleviate pressure on current network capacity, ensuring stable performance amid rising mobile traffic. Telecommunications operators in Europe have reported significant increases in mobile data consumption due to the growing use of streaming services, cloud applications, and connected devices. Expanding network capacity is essential for maintaining reliable service quality.
Crnogorski Telekom emphasized that this renewed cooperation with Ericsson Nikola Tesla reflects its commitment to maintaining technological leadership within Montenegro’s telecommunications sector. Ongoing investments in advanced mobile infrastructure are intended to provide users with access to network quality comparable to that of more developed European markets.
Ericsson Nikola Tesla has been a longstanding partner of Crnogorski Telekom in developing mobile networks, supplying telecommunications equipment, network solutions, and ICT services across several Southeast European countries. This partnership aims to implement cutting-edge telecommunications technologies while upholding high standards of network performance.
The collaboration between Crnogorski Telekom and Ericsson Nikola Tesla has been pivotal since Montenegro’s introduction of commercial 5G services in 2022 when Crnogorski Telekom became the first operator in the country to launch a 5G network using infrastructure developed in partnership with Ericsson Nikola Tesla.
The Mobile World Congress serves as a major global platform for telecommunications companies, technology developers, and digital infrastructure providers. It showcases advancements in areas such as 5G networks and future connectivity technologies while facilitating industry partnerships and innovation announcements.
For Montenegro’s digital economy, sustained investment in 5G infrastructure is anticipated to play a crucial role in enabling new technologies and services. High-speed mobile networks support various applications ranging from smart city systems to advanced digital services across sectors like tourism, logistics, and public administration.
The expansion of 5G networks is also expected to contribute significantly to economic development by strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. Enhanced connectivity can foster growth within the IT sector, support remote work initiatives, and improve access to digital services nationwide. For Montenegro’s small economy, advancements in digital connectivity are often viewed as vital drivers of productivity and innovation.
Through their extended partnership, Crnogorski Telekom and Ericsson Nikola Tesla aim to ensure that Montenegro remains aligned with technological advancements in the telecommunications sector. The modernization of the mobile network along with expanded 5G coverage represents key elements necessary for establishing a robust digital foundation for future economic growth.
