At the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, one of the world’s most important telecommunications industry events, Crnogorski Telekom and the regional technology company Ericsson Nikola Tesla confirmed the continuation of their long-standing cooperation aimed at further modernizing and expanding 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 the next phase of development for Telekom’s 5G network and related digital infrastructure.
The renewed partnership focuses on strengthening network capacity, improving service quality and expanding coverage in response to the rapid growth in mobile data usage and digital services. Under the agreement, the companies will continue deploying advanced telecommunications technologies designed to support both consumer connectivity and the broader digital transformation of Montenegro’s economy.
Crnogorski Telekom’s network is already recognized as the mobile network with the highest 4G and 5G signal coverage in Montenegro, with performance levels that, according to company statements, are comparable with or exceed those of many European markets. The new agreement aims to further enhance these capabilities by increasing network capacity and expanding the geographical reach of next-generation mobile services.
A key element of the modernization program involves expanding the use of the 3.6 GHz frequency band, which is widely used across Europe for high-capacity 5G services. The additional spectrum capacity will primarily be deployed in urban and suburban areas, where demand for mobile data and high-speed connectivity is highest. This approach will allow the network to support greater bandwidth and improved performance for applications such as video streaming, cloud services and advanced digital platforms.
At the same time, the partners plan to strengthen coverage in rural and less densely populated areas. This will involve upgrading existing infrastructure and building new base stations that will use the 700 MHz frequency band, which is particularly suited for wider geographic coverage. The deployment of this lower-frequency spectrum allows signals to travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively, helping extend 5G connectivity across a larger portion of the country.
The modernization strategy also includes installing additional base stations to relieve pressure on existing network capacity, ensuring stable performance as mobile traffic continues to grow. Telecommunications operators across Europe have experienced sharp increases in mobile data consumption in recent years, driven by streaming services, cloud applications and connected devices. Expanding network capacity is therefore essential for maintaining reliable service quality.
Crnogorski Telekom emphasized that the continuation of cooperation with Ericsson Nikola Tesla confirms its long-term strategy of maintaining technological leadership in Montenegro’s telecommunications sector. According to company management, ongoing investment in advanced mobile infrastructure is intended to ensure that users in Montenegro have access to network quality comparable with the most developed European markets.
Ericsson Nikola Tesla, which operates as a regional technology supplier within the global Ericsson ecosystem, has been a long-standing partner of Crnogorski Telekom in the development of mobile networks. The company provides telecommunications equipment, network solutions and ICT services across several countries in Southeast Europe. Through this partnership, the companies aim to continue implementing cutting-edge telecommunications technologies and maintaining high standards of network performance.
The cooperation between the two companies dates back several years and played a key role in Montenegro’s introduction of commercial 5G services in 2022, when Crnogorski Telekom became the first operator in the country to launch a 5G network. The rollout was implemented using infrastructure and technological solutions developed in partnership with Ericsson Nikola Tesla.
Mobile World Congress, where the agreement was announced, is considered the world’s largest gathering of telecommunications companies, technology developers and digital infrastructure providers. The annual event showcases new developments in areas such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and future connectivity technologies, providing a platform for global industry partnerships and innovation announcements.
For Montenegro’s digital economy, continued investment in 5G infrastructure is expected to play an increasingly important role in enabling new technologies and services. High-speed mobile networks support applications ranging from smart city systems and industrial automation to advanced digital services in tourism, logistics and public administration.
The expansion of 5G networks also contributes to broader economic development by strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure base. Faster connectivity can support the growth of the IT sector, facilitate remote work and improve access to digital services across the country. For a small economy like Montenegro’s, improvements in digital connectivity are often viewed as an important driver of productivity and innovation.
By extending their partnership, Crnogorski Telekom and Ericsson Nikola Tesla aim to ensure that Montenegro continues to keep pace with technological developments in the telecommunications industry. The modernization of the mobile network, expansion of 5G coverage and introduction of new infrastructure capacity represent key elements in building the digital foundation for the country’s future economic and technological development.
