WiFi4WB Initiative Launched in Montenegro, Bringing Free Public Wi-Fi to 24 Municipalities
The WiFi4WB initiative was officially launched today in Montenegro, marking the start of the deployment of free public Wi-Fi networks across 24 municipalities. The ceremony took place at one of the first installed networks at the Culture Centre in Danilovgrad, marking an important step in the national rollout of the project and forming part of a coordinated series of launch events across the Western Balkans.
The WiFi4WB initiative is part of the EU4Digital project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ. Inspired by the EU’s WiFi4EU programme, which has already provided free internet to over 7,000 communities across Europe, the initiative will enable citizens and visitors to access free Wi-Fi in public spaces such as squares, parks, libraries, schools, and cultural sites, throughout Montenegro and across the region.
The telecommunications operator One was selected through a public tender to implement and maintain the Wi-Fi infrastructure, and to provide free internet services at selected public locations across Montenegro.
Opening the event, the President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Aleksandar Grgurović, highlighted the importance of digital connectivity for local communities, stressing that through this project, and with the support of European partners, Danilovgrad is taking another concrete step towards improving digital accessibility for citizens and visitors.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, welcomed the launch of the WiFi4WB initiative and its role within the broader EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans:
“It is my pleasure to launch the regional WiFi4WB initiative in Danilovgrad, and subsequently across Montenegro and the Western Balkans, making Danilovgrad the first municipality to join a network of more than 7,000 communities in which the EU supports free public Wi-Fi. This is just a small part of our Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which last year introduced cheaper SEPA bank transfers, and this year will bring free roaming with Europe. Our goal for Montenegro and the region is the fastest possible integration into the Single Market and closer alignment with the European standard of living, even before accession itself.”
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, Peter Felten, underlined the importance of equal access to digital services for all citizens:
“The WiFi4WB programme contributes to social inclusion by enabling free access to digital services for all citizens.”
Felten also expressed his satisfaction that the German organisation GIZ is acting as the implementing partner of the European Union and the German Government within this important initiative.
Representatives of the Government also addressed the audience, emphasising the initiative’s impact on governance, public service delivery and citizen participation. The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, noted that European integration is often perceived as an abstract process, but initiatives such as WiFi4WB demonstrate how EU accession brings tangible benefits to citizens even before full membership. The Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, stressed that investments in digitalisation and modern technological solutions are essential for building an efficient, citizen-oriented public administration.
Speaking on behalf of the company One, Chief Executive Officer Branko Mitrović stated that it is a great honour for One to be part of an initiative that connects people and that, with the support of the European Union and the Government of Germany, demonstrates that Montenegro’s European path is on the right track.
“This is only the beginning of a mission of connectivity through which we will cover 24 municipalities across the country, contributing to the sense of belonging to Europe among the people of Montenegro and to their strong desire for Montenegro to become the next member of the European family.”
A special moment of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GIZ and the Municipality of Danilovgrad, which formally established cooperation on the installation, operation and long-term maintenance of the WiFi4WB network. GIZ representatives highlighted the initiative's regional importance and its sustainable implementation model.
The WiFi4WB initiative aims to improve access to digital services, education and public information, while supporting small businesses, enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening local tourism. By providing free and reliable internet access in public spaces, the initiative also contributes to social inclusion and helps reduce the digital divide.
