At a time when the world’s largest telecommunications forum, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, is showcasing the latest innovations in 5G technology, Montenegro is joining an exclusive circle of countries making a revolutionary digital leap by introducing the next generation of mobile networks—5G Advanced. In line with global trends and ambitions for digital transformation, the company One, whose representatives are attending this prestigious conference, in collaboration with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis, announces the establishment of the first test environment for 5.5G technology (advanced 5G, also known as 5G-Advanced). This groundbreaking initiative places Montenegro on the innovation map, positioning it among the pioneers exploring the possibilities of the new generation of mobile networks.
Unlike existing networks, 5G Advanced enables gigabit data transfer speeds up to ten times higher than the already implemented 5G technology, almost imperceptible latency, and massive device connectivity, opening the door to the development of advanced solutions in various fields and breaking down barriers between mobile and optical networks.
During the signing of the Cooperation Agreement, representatives of both institutions emphasized that this project represents a significant step for the digital development of Montenegro.
“By establishing this test environment, Montenegro has the opportunity to become a regional leader in the application of advanced technologies. This next-generation network will open doors for the development of smart solutions in industry, entrepreneurship, and society, enabling faster digital transformation and competitiveness in the global market. The process of obtaining relevant approvals from the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (EKIP) for testing is underway, and we are conducting the entire process in compliance with regulations and with full respect for the regulatory framework. We are creating an ecosystem where innovation, research, and technological development will receive strong support,” said Branko Mitrovic, CEO of One.
It is expected that the new test environment will allow startup teams, technology companies, researchers, and the entire academic community to develop and test advanced solutions based on the ultra-fast and reliable network of the future.
“Tehnopolis is dedicated to creating an innovative environment that encourages research and development of new technologies. Collaboration with One enables us to support young entrepreneurs and researchers by providing them with access to the latest technologies and resources. We are confident that this test environment will contribute to the development and enhancement of Montenegro’s telecommunications infrastructure and allow us to be part of the global innovation community,” said Djordjije Malovic, Director of IEC Tehnopolis.
By establishing the first test environment for 5.5G technology, One once again confirms its commitment to technological innovation and network improvement. Its leadership position in the market is further reinforced by recognition from the renowned international organization Umlaut, which for the third consecutive year has rated One’s network as the best in Montenegro.
One has already laid the foundation for widespread 5G adoption through its existing services. Since last autumn, it has been offering affordable and unlimited 5G home internet, which has generated significant user interest and led to the success of its Duo package. This project further confirms that 5G technology plays a crucial role in One’s future and continued development, enabling even better, faster, and more stable connectivity for homes and mobile users.
It is no coincidence that this initiative is led by One, part of the 4iG Group, a regional telecommunications giant that last year was the first in Central and Eastern Europe to demonstrate 5G-Advanced technology on the 6 GHz frequency. With this project, 4iG continues to introduce the most advanced technological standards, this time placing Montenegro on the digital map of the future.
The first technical and technological tests in Tehnopolis’ new test center will be based on the use of millimeter waves (mmWave) from the 26 GHz band of the radio frequency spectrum, following the advanced 3GPP Rel-18 standards. The 4iG Group has supported One Montenegro and selected Montenegro as the location for testing mmWave 5G-Advanced technology, representing a significant step in researching and developing this innovative approach. Previous experiences from international projects indicate that Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) based on mmWave 5G-Advanced technology can serve as a viable alternative to fixed broadband networks for data transmission and internet access in both urban and rural areas. These tests enable One to explore the potential of the mmWave spectrum and contribute to the development of future technological and industrial solutions, making them readily available to Montenegrin technology companies for developing services based on this technology.
