Montenegro’s Internet Access, Byte by Byte: Infrastructure, Providers, Speeds & Trends

Montenegro has made significant strides in internet connectivity since becoming independent in 2006. Today, the country boasts widespread broadband access via fiber-optic, DSL, cable, and 4G/5G wireless networks. Internet penetration continues to climb, narrowing the digital gap between urban and rural regions. Average speeds have increased year over year, placing Montenegro mid-pack globally and ahead of some regional peers in fixed broadband performance worldpopulationreview.com operatorwatch.com. Major telecom operators drive competition by investing in infrastructure upgrades, while government initiatives and EU-backed programs aim to extend high-speed internet to every corner of the mountainous nation. This report provides an in-depth look at Montenegro’s internet infrastructure, service providers, penetration rates, speeds, urban–rural disparities, pricing, usage in various sectors, the emergence of satellite options, and supportive policies – comparing key metrics with Southeast European neighbors where relevant.

Internet Infrastructure and Coverage

Montenegro’s broadband infrastructure is diverse, encompassing modern fiber networks alongside legacy copper lines and extensive mobile coverage:

• Fiber-Optic Broadband: Fiber (FTTH/B) has rapidly become the dominant fixed access technology. Fiber networks have expanded across cities and towns, with approximately 71% of households covered by fiber by the end of 2022 oecd.org. The incumbent telco (Crnogorski Telekom) and competitors have invested heavily in fiber deployment, especially to apartment buildings in urban areas itu.int. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, the number of fiber broadband users grew by 32.8% itu.int. This growth has come largely at the expense of DSL, as customers migrate from older copper ADSL/VDSL lines to much faster fiber connections operatorwatch.com. Fiber connectivity allows speeds of 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, and nearly 49% of all fixed broadband subscriptions were fiber-based by late 2023 oecd.org – a remarkable transformation in a few years.
• DSL and Legacy Networks: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) over copper telephone lines was once widespread and still exists in areas not yet fiber-upgraded. However, DSL’s role is diminishing – it now accounts for a shrinking minority of connections as fiber and cable take over operatorwatch.com. Where active, ADSL/VDSL can typically deliver up to ~20–50 Mbps under ideal conditions. The ongoing National Broadband Development Plan focuses on replacing or complementing old DSL infrastructure with high-speed networks in underserved zones oecd.org oecd.org. The plan aims to ensure “fast and secure Internet” to all households and institutions, including those in white areas (commercially unviable rural zones), via public–private investments oecd.org oecd.org. Progress has been slowed by project delays – the EU-supported technical assistance for rural broadband only launched in 2023, pushing completion of the plan to end of 2024 oecd.org. In the interim, Montenegro is leveraging EU and EBRD funds (~€64 million) to co-finance rural broadband rollouts oecd.org, gradually closing the urban–rural infrastructure gap.
• Cable Broadband: Cable TV networks (HFC) provide another fixed internet platform, operated primarily by Telemach (a leading cable ISP). Cable broadband is available in major cities and towns, offering speeds up to 500 Mbps on upgraded DOCSIS networks (and potentially gigabit speeds with future upgrades). Telemach has been the first and largest cable operator in Montenegro united.group, bundling internet with TV and fixed telephony. As of 2025, this sector is seeing consolidation – Bosnia’s state-owned BH Telecom is set to acquire Telemach Montenegro seenews.com seenews.com, integrating it into a regional operation. Cable infrastructure complements fiber in urban areas and provides high-speed access where fiber is not yet ubiquitous. With the Telemach acquisition, additional investments in cable/fiber network expansion are anticipated, given the new owner’s resources and regional strategy seenews.com.
• Mobile Networks (4G/5G): Mobile broadband plays a crucial role in Montenegro’s internet landscape, given the country’s mountainous terrain and dispersed population. 4G LTE networks cover 97–98% of the population mdpi.com, effectively nationwide, with multiple bands (800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz) in use by all three mobile network operators. By 2019, LTE was available to 97.7% of the population itu.int and even the average LTE download speed then was around 10 Mbps (with much higher peaks) itu.int. Since then, 4G speeds have improved with LTE-Advanced features (carrier aggregation on 2–3 bands) widely deployed itu.int. Mobile broadband has become a viable alternative to fixed lines in many rural areas, thanks to expanded LTE coverage and capacity itu.int. Montenegro was slightly late to launch 5G, but progress is now well underway. 5G service began in 2022, initially via 4G spectrum sharing, and then using dedicated 3.6 GHz bands acquired in a 2022 auction samenacouncil.org samenacouncil.org. By early 2023, 5G signals covered ~75.8% of the population (roughly 10.3% of the territory, focusing on populated areas) mdpi.com. Crnogorski Telekom and One (formerly Telenor) lit up 5G base stations in major cities in Q1 2023, followed by M:tel cms.law cms.law. Commercial 5G is now live in Podgorica and several coastal and northern cities (Bar, Budva, Kotor, Nikšić, Herceg Novi, Tivat, etc.) cms.law, delivering vastly higher speeds (hundreds of Mbps, with gigabit-level potential in ideal conditions). 32,131 users had adopted 5G by Feb 2023 mdpi.com, a figure likely to grow as coverage widens. Operators are obliged by license conditions to provide 5G in every municipality by end of 2024 and cover at least 50% of the population with 5G by 2026 cms.law. Long-term plans aim for comprehensive 5G coverage (all populated places, highways and main roads by 2030) cms.law, aligning with EU 5G targets.

In summary, Montenegro’s infrastructure backbone is strengthening year by year. High-capacity networks (fiber, cable, 4G/5G) are now widespread in cities and steadily extending to rural communities. At end-2023, about 78.5% of households could access “very high capacity” fixed broadband (100+ Mbps) – just shy of the EU’s 79.2% average oecd.org. Ongoing investments promise to further improve last-mile connectivity and backhaul. Challenges remain in remote northern areas, but a combination of fiber rollout, mobile solutions, and state support is closing the gap so that virtually all Montenegrins can get online with decent speeds.

Major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Services Offered

Despite its small population (~620k), Montenegro has a competitive telecom market with multiple operators in fixed and mobile segments. The major ISPs and their services include:

• Crnogorski Telekom (CT) – The incumbent telco and part of Deutsche Telekom Group (via Hrvatski/Magyar Telekom) operatorwatch.com. CT offers a full range of services: fixed broadband (fiber and some DSL), fixed phone lines, mobile telephony (branded T-Mobile, with 2G/3G/4G/5G), and IPTV. It has invested heavily in fiber-optic expansion and currently provides fiber-to-the-home in most urban centers. Crnogorski Telekom leads in fixed-line market share and consistently ranks high in mobile network quality. In a 2019 survey, CT’s mobile network showed the fastest urban download speeds (47.5 Mbps) in Montenegro itu.int. The company often bundles services (e.g. Magenta 1 packages) and targets both consumers and businesses with converged offers. As the former monopoly, CT’s infrastructure underpins much of the country’s telecom backbone, and it participates in government broadband projects to extend connectivity to underserved regions.
• One (formerly Telenor Montenegro) – A mobile-only operator, One is the rebranded successor of Telenor. Telenor Montenegro was acquired by Hungary’s 4iG in 2021 and rebranded to “One” in March 2022 broadbandtvnews.com. One operates a nationwide GSM/UMTS/LTE network (98% population coverage) operatorwatch.com and launched 5G in 2023 alongside CT. It has roughly one-third of the mobile market, vying closely with CT and M:tel. One is known for strong network performance – it won independent “Best in Test” awards for mobile quality in 2020–21 operatorwatch.com. While primarily focused on mobile voice and data services, One also offers mobile broadband plans (including home 4G/5G routers for fixed wireless access). Under 4iG’s ownership (through Antenna Hungária), One has been upgrading infrastructure and expanding service offerings. It promotes affordable tourist SIMs and roaming packages, given Montenegro’s significant visitor numbers ohayu.com. One does not directly provide fixed home internet, but it is exploring 5G Fixed Wireless as an alternative for home users in the future.
• M:tel Montenegro – A converged telecom operator that entered the market in 2007 as the third mobile provider en.wikipedia.org. M:tel is a joint venture of Telekom Srbija (Serbia’s incumbent) and Telekom Srpske (Bosnia’s Telekom Srpska), and it offers mobile, fixed telephony, and broadband. On mobile, M:tel has ~30–35% share and nationwide 2G/3G/4G coverage operatorwatch.com operatorwatch.com, plus launched 5G in 2023. It often competes on price and generous data packages. Importantly, M:tel also operates a fixed broadband network – it provides fiber internet (where its FTTH network exists or via wholesale access) and even some cable/TV services (in earlier years M:tel acquired small cable operators, hence its product portfolio includes cable TV, broadband, and fixed lines en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org). M:tel’s home internet plans (branded “FLASH” packages montenegrodigitalnomad.com) offer unlimited data with various speed tiers and optional digital TV. These are delivered either via fiber or fixed-wireless (LTE) depending on location montenegrodigitalnomad.com montenegrodigitalnomad.com. M:tel is known for competitive pricing and often bundles free equipment and promo discounts (requiring 12+ month contracts) montenegrodigitalnomad.com. As a Serbia-backed operator, M:tel has invested steadily to expand its fiber footprint in Montenegro’s cities, becoming a significant alternative to the incumbent for home broadband.
• Telemach Crna Gora – The leading cable broadband and TV provider in Montenegro. Part of the regional United Group, Telemach offers cable internet, cable TV, and fixed telephony (branded as “EON” packages for digital TV + internet). Telemach’s cable network covers all major Montenegrin municipalities, passing a large portion of households especially in coastal and central urban areas. It offers high-speed internet (100–500 Mbps) alongside dozens of TV channels. Triple-play bundles have been popular – for example, new subscribers get promotional pricing around €14.90/month for 6 months before regular rates (~€25–40 depending on speed and channel lineup) kick in montenegrodigitalnomad.com. The standard contract is 24 months montenegrodigitalnomad.com. As of May 2025, Montenegro’s competition authority approved the sale of Telemach Montenegro to BH Telecom seenews.com. This cross-border deal (also involving Telemach operations in Bosnia and North Macedonia) will likely see Telemach integrated under BH Telecom’s management. In practice, subscribers might not notice immediate changes – the cable broadband service will continue, potentially with increased investment. Telemach has been a key driver of introducing gigabit-capable networks (HFC with DOCSIS 3.1) and has even deployed some fiber in new neighborhoods. Its acquisition by a large telco signals confidence in growth of Montenegro’s fixed broadband market.
• Other ISPs: A number of smaller ISPs operate regionally. For instance, BEENET is a newer local provider offering a mix of fiber and wireless broadband with a focus on personal customer service montenegrodigitalnomad.com. BEENET even markets introductory wireless plans as cheap as “€1 per month for the first 6 months” to attract customers in its coverage areas montenegrodigitalnomad.com. Orion Telekom (related to a Serbian alternative operator) is another ISP present in Montenegro montenegrodigitalnomad.com – it provides broadband (sometimes via leased infrastructure) and requires contracts of 12–24 months. Orion’s network coverage is limited to certain areas and subject to technical feasibility checks montenegrodigitalnomad.com. These niche ISPs, along with a handful of wireless ISPs and community networks, serve pockets of the country that might not have strong coverage by the big players. While their market share is small, they add competitive pressure in the areas they serve. Overall, Montenegro’s ISP market is relatively concentrated – Crnogorski Telekom, M:tel, and One dominate mobile and a combination of CT, Telemach, and M:tel account for most home broadband – but the presence of additional players ensures consumers have choices, which helps keep prices in check and service quality improving.

Internet Penetration Rates and Usage Trends

Internet access has become mainstream in Montenegro, with usage indicators rising steadily in recent years. Household internet penetration has grown from about 60–70% a decade ago to over 81% of households in 2023 mdpi.com. According to Montenegro’s statistical office (MONSTAT) surveys, 81.3% of households have internet access at home in 2023, up from 74.3% in 2019 mdpi.com. This 7 percentage point increase in four years reflects accelerated network rollouts and affordability improvements. For perspective, the Western Balkan regional average is in the 70–80% range, and the EU average is about 93% of households oecd.org. Montenegro is thus catching up to EU levels, with one of the higher connectivity rates in the Balkans.

Individual usage is also high: by 2023, about 88.4% of Montenegrins had used the internet in the past 3 months, and among these users, 90% go online daily or almost daily mdpi.com. Essentially, nearly nine out of ten people (aged 16–74) are internet users, which is a dramatic change from the early 2010s when this figure was far lower. The growth has been especially notable among certain demographics: youth usage is nearly universal (over 99% of those under 24 are online) mdpi.com, and even among seniors 65+ usage has climbed to ~73% mdpi.com – though a generational gap remains.

Mobile internet adoption is ubiquitous. Montenegro has more mobile subscriptions than people – in 2019 there were 183 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants itu.int (reflecting many users with dual SIMs or data-only SIMs). Active mobile broadband subscriptions were about 80 per 100 people in 2019 itu.int and have grown since. The ease of acquiring prepaid data packages and the popularity of smartphones mean that mobile internet is often the first and primary mode of access, especially for younger users or those in remote areas without fixed lines.

Encouragingly, the urban–rural usage gap has been narrowing. In 2018, only ~55% of rural households had internet, versus ~80% urban. By 2023, rural household access rose to 71.9% while urban reached 85.9%, reducing the gap to ~14% mdpi.com. Similarly, the less-developed northern region saw household internet use climb to 69.5% by 2023, compared to 88.5% in the more urbanized southern region mdpi.com. While a disparity persists, targeted investment in rural mobile coverage and fiber backbones has led to tangible improvement. The government’s goal (through the Broadband Plan) is to bring rural connectivity as close as possible to urban levels in coming years oecd.org oecd.org.

Another trend is the increased reliance on internet for daily activities. Montenegrins use the internet heavily for communication (email, messaging, VoIP), information (news, search, social media), and entertainment (YouTube, IPTV, streaming). E-commerce and e-banking uptake is growing but still with room for expansion – a 2023 survey noted 51.6% of respondents had never purchased goods or services online mdpi.com, indicating that around half the population has at least tried online shopping while the other half remains to be converted. This suggests potential for growth in e-commerce as trust and digital literacy improve.

The COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–2021) was a catalyst for internet use in education and work. Schools and universities in Montenegro conducted virtual classes during lockdowns, leading to greater adoption of home broadband and video conferencing tools. While exact stats are not provided here, anecdotal evidence suggests that many households upgraded their internet plans to support remote schooling. The same goes for businesses implementing remote work. Montenegro’s Human Development Report 2020 emphasized that digital access became crucial for all, and highlighted inequalities for those without reliable internet mdpi.com. Post-pandemic, some of these behaviors (like remote work or online government services) have persisted, driving further demand for stable, fast internet across the country.

In summary, internet penetration in Montenegro is high and rising, with usage approaching saturation among younger demographics and steadily increasing among older and rural populations. The digital divide is shrinking as infrastructure reaches more people. Montenegrins are online frequently and incorporating the internet into many aspects of life – though there remains untapped potential in areas like e-commerce. Compared to its neighbors, Montenegro’s 81% household connectivity is on par or higher than countries like North Macedonia (~79%) and Bosnia (~75%), though still behind EU stalwarts and regional leader Serbia (~86%) oecd.org worldpopulationreview.com. The trajectory suggests Montenegro will continue converging with European norms in internet usage in the near future.

Broadband Speeds and International Rankings

Montenegro’s internet speeds have improved markedly, thanks to fiber deployment and 4G/5G upgrades. While not yet among Europe’s fastest, the country now enjoys broadband speeds that comfortably support streaming, telework, and cloud services, and its global ranking has risen accordingly.

For fixed broadband, average speeds have climbed every year. Data from Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index in 2024 showed Montenegro’s median fixed broadband download speed at around 61 Mbps, with mean download slightly higher (~74 Mbps) worldpopulationreview.com. This is a significant jump from just a few years ago when averages were in the teens. The introduction of fiber to homes and DOCSIS 3.1 on cable networks has enabled many consumers to get 100 Mbps or above. In fact, a recent corporate survey found that nearly 22% of companies use internet speeds of ≥500 Mbps, and about 56% of companies use at least 30 Mbps connections mdpi.com – indicating the availability of high-bandwidth options mdpi.com mdpi.com. Figure 6 in a 2024 study illustrated the steady speed progression from 2015 to 2023 (not shown here), reflecting Montenegro’s journey from basic broadband to ultrafast networks mdpi.com.

In terms of global ranking, Montenegro is somewhere in the middle. As of early 2025, it ranked roughly 80th–90th worldwide for fixed broadband speeds (out of ~180 countries). Its median of ~61 Mbps is faster than some neighbors – for example, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s median is only ~31 Mbps worldpopulationreview.com, and Albania’s around 63 Mbps worldpopulationreview.com. It’s on par with or slightly below Croatia and North Macedonia (Croatia ~76 Mbps, N. Macedonia ~42 Mbps median, though North Macedonia’s mean was higher due to a few very fast connections) worldpopulationreview.com. Montenegro still trails Serbia, which enjoys ~82 Mbps median downloads thanks to extensive fiber rollout worldpopulationreview.com, and lags well behind EU countries like Slovenia or Romania that exceed 100 Mbps median. Nonetheless, within Southeast Europe, Montenegro’s fixed internet speeds are respectable and no longer a bottleneck for typical applications. The country’s goal of ubiquitous high-speed access is reflected in the statistic that 63% of all fixed connections are now 100 Mbps or above oecd.org.

Mobile broadband speeds have also advanced. On 4G LTE, users in urban areas often see 20–50 Mbps download speeds, and even higher in good conditions. Back in 2019, the regulator EKIP measured average mobile download at 10 Mbps nationwide (including rural) itu.int – today it is certainly well above that. Independent tests by umlaut and others have ranked the networks highly. With 5G’s introduction, peak mobile speeds in parts of Podgorica and coastal towns now reach into the hundreds of Mbps. According to Speedtest data, Montenegro’s median mobile download speed in 2024 was ~44 Mbps worldpopulationreview.com. This placed it below the global median, but not by far. Interestingly, some neighbors have excelled in mobile: e.g. Bulgaria’s median mobile speed is 118 Mbps and Greece’s ~75 Mbps worldpopulationreview.com, likely due to wider 5G availability. Montenegro will close the gap as 5G networks expand beyond the current ~75% population coverage.

On upload speeds and latency (not as widely reported), fiber connections in Montenegro typically offer 50–100 Mbps upload on high-tier plans, and 4G networks provide a few Mbps up (sufficient for video calls). 5G will improve uplink significantly for those on it. Latency on fixed networks is low (ping ~5–15 ms domestically, thanks to regional internet exchange points), while on mobile it’s around 20–30 ms on 4G and can drop below 10 ms on 5G. These technical improvements benefit online gaming, VoIP quality, and other real-time applications.

To summarize, Montenegro’s internet speeds have graduated from basic to truly broadband. Ten years ago, single-digit Mbps was common; now 50–100 Mbps is the norm in cities. The nation’s speed rankings have risen accordingly, surpassing countries with less developed infrastructure. There is still room to improve to reach Western European levels – for instance, the EU median fixed speed is well over 100 Mbps, and fiber-rich countries like Spain or Sweden approach 200 Mbps median en.wikipedia.org. But given continued fiber penetration and 5G rollout, Montenegro can be expected to further boost its internet performance. The government’s emphasis on “gigabit society” goals by 2030 means that policy is aligned with pushing speeds upward (e.g., state-aided rural fiber must offer 100 Mbps+, per EU state aid rules). Already, we see signs of the gigabit era: a fifth of businesses subscribe to ≥500 Mbps plans mdpi.com, and the 3.6 GHz 5G networks can deliver 1 Gbps under ideal conditions cms.law cms.law. In the near future, Montenegro will likely break into the top half of global internet speed rankings, reflecting these ongoing enhancements.

Urban vs. Rural Availability and the Digital Divide

Given Montenegro’s geography – with a coastal plain, central valleys, and a mountainous north – ensuring equitable internet access nationwide has been a challenge. Historically, urban areas like Podgorica, Budva, and Bar enjoyed far better connectivity than northern towns and villages. However, concerted efforts by both industry and government have been narrowing this digital divide.

Availability in Cities: Urban and suburban areas have the widest choice of broadband technologies. In Podgorica (the capital) and other large municipalities, residents can typically choose from fiber (offered by Telekom or M:tel), cable (Telemach), or wireless broadband. These areas were the first to get FTTH upgrades, and most multi-dwelling buildings have been hooked up. For example, the incumbent focused fiber investments “mainly to serve apartment blocks in the main towns” itu.int. As a result, cities show household internet access rates of 85–90% mdpi.com, comparable to many EU cities. Mobile coverage is excellent – all operators provide strong 4G in towns, and 5G has launched in the downtown cores of major cities in 2023 cms.law. Urban users also enjoy numerous public Wi-Fi hotspots (in cafes, malls, tourist areas) and generally have access to high-capacity backbones (several towns are on the regional fiber ring that connects Montenegro to international internet hubs via Serbia and the Adriatic). Consequently, urban internet quality is high, and the digital services ecosystem (tech startups, IT companies, e-government kiosks, etc.) is primarily concentrated here.

Availability in Rural and Northern Areas: Rural Montenegro – especially in the northern highlands and small villages – historically had lower connectivity. Many such areas relied on outdated ADSL or even dial-up, and mobile signals could be weak in rugged terrain. As of 2019, only 62.8% of rural households had internet access itu.int, versus 80% urban. This gap is closing: by 2023 rural household access was up to ~72% mdpi.com. Several factors have driven improvement:

• LTE Coverage Expansion: Operators extended 4G towers to cover virtually all populated areas. By end-2019, 97% of populated areas had 4G signal itu.int. Crnogorski Telekom and Telenor (One) each covered ~97% of populated territory, and M:tel ~94% itu.int. These figures imply that even villages in the north can get a mobile broadband connection (perhaps not deep indoors, but at least outdoors or with antenna assist). Indeed, LTE has made mobile broadband a viable alternative to fixed-line in many rural areas itu.int. People in villages increasingly use 4G routers or their smartphones for home internet, especially where laying fiber is difficult.
• Fiber Backbone to North: The government and operators have collaborated on projects to bring fiber backbones and Next Generation Access (NGA) networks to northern municipalities. For example, a project cited in 2019 connected several northern towns with high-speed links itu.int. Telekom has gradually rolled out fiber in northern towns like Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja, Berane, often with support from development funds. M:tel too has expanded some fiber to larger northern centers. By 2022, many northern towns had some fiber or cable coverage, though outlying villages may still lack last-mile infrastructure. The NBDP (National Broadband Development Plan) specifically targets “white zones” in the north and other rural parts, planning subsidies to ensure these areas get at least 100 Mbps service in the coming years oecd.org oecd.org.
• Wireless ISPs: In remote locales, a few wireless ISPs (WISPs) operate, using point-to-point or WiMAX-like technologies to beam internet where cables don’t reach. For example, BEENET’s wireless plans (with very low intro pricing) likely serve rural communities with line-of-sight radio links montenegrodigitalnomad.com. These can connect hamlets or farms to the nearest fiber point of presence. While such solutions might not offer huge bandwidth, they provide basic connectivity as a stopgap until mainstream operators extend their networks.

Despite these improvements, digital divide issues persist. Key disparities:

• Internet Usage: Urban dwellers are still more likely to use the internet – in 2023, 86% of urban vs 72% of rural residents used the internet, a 14-point gap mdpi.com. However, this gap was 18% in 2019 (80% vs 62%) itu.int, so progress is evident. The north vs south regional gap (69.5% vs 88.5% households online) also highlights lingering inequality mdpi.com. Lower income correlates with lower internet uptake: only 46% of households earning under €300/month had internet, compared to 98% of those over €600 income mdpi.com. Rural north areas often also have lower incomes, compounding the challenge.
• Speed/Quality: There is a speed divide – urban fiber users enjoy 100+ Mbps, while some rural users on 4G or old DSL get maybe 10–20 Mbps. The Western Balkans Competitiveness Outlook 2024 noted very high-speed networks are primarily concentrated around urban centers, and rural broadband development has lagged, “widening the connectivity gap between urban and rural populations.” oecd.org oecd.org. This is exactly what the broadband plan and state aid guidelines aim to fix by incentivizing rural fiber builds oecd.org oecd.org. Until then, some remote villages might only have 3G/4G internet and slower links, which can limit advanced usage like HD streaming or large file transfers.
• Digital Skills and Usage: Rural populations, especially older residents, may lack digital literacy or see less need for internet, affecting demand. The government and NGOs have run digital inclusion programs (training, public internet access points) focusing on underconnected communities. As those continue, the human aspect of the divide (skill and awareness) should diminish, complementing the physical network upgrades.

From a regional perspective, Montenegro’s urban-rural gap is not unique – most Balkan countries see a 10–20% difference in household internet rates between capital cities and remote areas oecd.org. Montenegro’s gap (~14% by 2023) is actually smaller than some neighbors. The policy framework (with EU support) is firmly addressing this: state-backed projects, like one launched in March 2023, will spend EU and EBRD funds to connect schools, health centers, and households in underserved areas oecd.org oecd.org. Additionally, the government enacted a law on facilitating high-speed network infrastructure (2022) to reduce costs of rural rollouts (e.g. sharing ducts, towers) oecd.org.

In summary, Montenegro’s digital divide is progressively shrinking. Urban connectivity is at European standards, and rural connectivity is transitioning from basic to broadband. Challenges of mountainous terrain and economic disparities remain, but through a combination of 4G/5G coverage, targeted fiber expansion, and subsidized projects, Montenegro is on course to bring fast internet to even its Black Mountain hinterlands, ensuring more balanced digital development across the country.

Pricing Models and Affordability

Internet access in Montenegro is relatively affordable by regional standards, and pricing competition among ISPs has benefited consumers. Both fixed broadband and mobile data are offered at prices that compare favorably to income levels and to neighboring countries. Below we examine typical pricing models and costs:

• Fixed Broadband Pricing: Home internet is usually sold either as a standalone service or in discounted bundles with TV and phone. The monthly cost depends on the chosen speed and package:
  • DSL/Fiber plans: Crnogorski Telekom and M:tel offer tiered fiber plans (and DSL where applicable). For instance, a basic standalone internet package (around 50–100 Mbps) might cost roughly €20–€25 per month, while higher-speed or premium plans (200–500 Mbps or with TV included) range from €30–€40+ per month. Exact prices vary with promotions – it’s common to sign a 12- or 24-month contract to get a lower introductory price. For example, Telekom’s “Libero” personal internet (a flexible 4G/5G home broadband solution) can cost €8 to €32 per month depending on data allowance and contract length montenegrodigitalnomad.com. Telemach’s triple-play bundles were €14.90/month for the first 6 months for new users (with a 24-month lock-in), then increasing to standard rates based on chosen speed/tv tier montenegrodigitalnomad.com. Such promotional pricing strategies are standard – enticing new customers with 3–6 month discounts.
  • Cable (Telemach) packages: Telemach’s EON packages combine internet + TV + phone. After promos, a mid-tier bundle (e.g. 200 Mbps internet + TV) might be around €25–€30 monthly, and the top-tier (500 Mbps + full channel lineup) around €40. Notably, United Group (Telemach) often synchronized prices across the region, and those prices are competitive with DSL/fiber incumbents. Telemach includes modem/router rental in fees, and their contracts enforce penalties if canceled early (common practice among all ISPs).
  • Other fees: Installations are often free on longer contracts. Some operators charge a one-time setup or equipment fee if no contract – e.g., Orion Telekom asks for ~€35 install and €60 equipment deposit, waived on 24-month contracts montenegrodigitalnomad.com. In general, upfront costs are kept low to encourage subscriptions.
  Affordability: By international benchmarks, fixed internet in Montenegro is reasonably affordable relative to incomes. An ITU analysis found that in 2019, a standard fixed broadband plan (unlimited data at 2 Mbps) cost about 1.8% of GNI per capita, which was near the European average (1.5% GNI) itu.int. Given economic growth and only modest price changes, that percentage has likely improved by 2025 (lower percentage of income). In absolute terms, spending ~€20–€30/month on internet in Montenegro is similar to Serbia or North Macedonia, and cheaper than in some EU countries once purchasing power is considered. Moreover, households often bundle services to save – a triple-play bundle for €30 provides internet, TV, and phone, delivering more value than separate subscriptions would.
• Mobile Internet Pricing: Mobile data in Montenegro is very affordable, which has driven high adoption. All three mobile operators have numerous plans:
  • Prepaid SIMs: Tourists and casual users can get prepaid data packages at low cost. For example, One and Telekom have tourist offers like €5–€10 for several GB of data valid for a week or two ohayu.com. M:tel’s prepaid gives bonus data (500 GB for 45 days) on first top-up to attract users mtel.me. These generous packages show how competitive the market is, especially to capture roaming tourists’ spend.
  • Postpaid (Contract) plans: Unlimited or high-cap data plans are available for smartphones and home routers. A typical postpaid mobile plan with unlimited national calls and, say, 50 GB of data might cost around €20/month. Lighter plans (with 10–20 GB) are often in the €10–€15 range. Notably, data-only plans for home use (using 4G routers) are priced such that they can substitute for fixed broadband – e.g., M:tel’s Flash packages tout unlimited wireless internet at competitive rates, effectively a home LTE broadband service montenegrodigitalnomad.com.
  • Multi-play bundles: Operators like Crnogorski Telekom give discounts if you combine mobile and fixed services. For instance, Magenta 1 customers get extra mobile data and lower combined bills. This encourages families to take both fixed and mobile from the same provider, increasing loyalty while saving cost.
  Affordability: Mobile data prices in terms of value for money are low. In 2019, 1.5 GB mobile data cost just 0.8% of GNI per capita – exactly the same as Europe’s average cost itu.int. Since then, data caps have increased at similar or lower price points (operators now offer tens of GB for single-digit euros). Additionally, since July 2021 roaming charges were abolished within the Western Balkans mdpi.com, Montenegrins traveling in the region (and vice versa) can use their data without extra fees, effectively extending the value of domestic plans. This was achieved through a regional agreement Montenegro signed, highlighting pro-consumer regulation mdpi.com. Overall, for most Montenegrins, mobile internet is easily accessible – even lower-income individuals often rely on mobile data as primary internet because the prepaid offerings are so cheap and flexible.
• International Comparison: Compared to neighboring countries, Montenegro’s internet pricing is roughly on par. For example, fixed broadband prices in Serbia and Croatia for similar speeds are in the €20–€30 range as well. Mobile data in the Western Balkans is generally cheap, and Montenegro is no exception with competitive prepaid rates. One difference: Montenegro’s small market means there are fewer ultra-budget ISP deals than, say, Serbia where dozens of small providers operate. However, the presence of strong regional players (Telekom, United Group, 4iG/One) ensures that prices remain in check and often special offers in one country (like unlimited night data, family plans, etc.) soon appear in Montenegro as well.

In conclusion, internet services in Montenegro are priced affordably relative to incomes, and consumers benefit from bundling discounts and promotions. A household with a moderate income can obtain a solid home broadband connection for a reasonable fee (under 2–3% of monthly income on average) itu.int. Meanwhile, the abundance of low-cost mobile data deals means cost is rarely a barrier to basic internet access – virtually anyone can get online, even on a tight budget, through prepaid mobile. The government monitors affordability as part of its digital inclusion efforts, and so far, Montenegro has managed to avoid the digital divide being worsened by pricing. High satisfaction rates among users with regard to price-to-quality underscore this: nearly 88% of internet subscribers report being satisfied with the price and quality of service mdpi.com. This indicates that for most Montenegrins, the internet offers good value.

Internet for Business, Education, and Government Services

The expansion of internet access in Montenegro has had transformative effects on business operations, education, and public services. Here we explore how these sectors leverage connectivity, and the current state of digital integration:

• Business and the Digital Economy: Virtually all businesses in Montenegro are now connected to the internet. A 2023 survey found 100% of surveyed companies have internet access (unsurprising, as even the smallest firms need email) mdpi.com. Moreover, 85.4% of companies have an official website mdpi.com, indicating a strong online presence culture. This is a positive trend – it shows Montenegrin businesses are embracing the web for visibility. However, many company websites are still basic; only about 75% offer product catalogs or price lists online, and 66% link to social media mdpi.com. Fully interactive features (like online shops or customer portals) are less common, which suggests e-commerce uptake by businesses is still developing. The fact that over half of individuals haven’t shopped online yet mdpi.com also implies businesses have an opportunity to grow in this area. High-speed internet has enabled businesses to use cloud services, VoIP, and online banking more efficiently. Sectors like tourism (critical in Montenegro) rely on internet for booking systems and marketing. IT and outsourcing companies have sprung up, taking advantage of connectivity to serve international clients. The government, with EU support, has run programs to boost SMEs’ digital skills and e-commerce adoption, recognizing that greater internet use can spur economic growth. A regional competitiveness report notes that despite improvements, digital inclusion indicators for businesses need better monitoring to measure impact oecd.org. Encouragingly, the Global Innovation Index 2023 ranked Montenegro 73rd of 132 on ICT infrastructure, showing a decent standing mdpi.com. The continued rollout of 5G and fiber will further benefit businesses, especially those outside Podgorica, by enabling technologies like IoT, remote work, and advanced cloud computing.
• Education and E-Learning: The education sector has been steadily digitizing. All schools and universities in Montenegro are connected to the internet, many through the national research and education network. Over the past decade, the government invested in school computer labs and digital content. The “Digital School” project equipped primary schools with tablets and interactive boards, while the curriculum added IT skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Montenegro, like other countries, switched to online learning for extended periods. This was a stress test for the country’s connectivity: in most urban areas it succeeded (students followed via Zoom or a national TV+online platform), but it exposed issues in some rural or low-income households that lacked stable internet. This accelerated efforts to provide connectivity to all students – for example, telecom operators offered free mobile data for educational platforms and the government distributed some LTE routers to areas without fixed internet. By 2023, with schools back in person, the legacy is that blended learning (mix of online and face-to-face) is more common. Universities offer remote learning options for some programs, which is enabled by decent broadband. The University of Montenegro, for instance, has improved its e-learning systems and can accommodate video lectures streaming. The Western Balkans Digital Education initiative noted Montenegro’s progress in building digital competencies and aligning with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan eeas.europa.eu. Still, challenges remain in ensuring every student has a device and connection at home – a prerequisite for equal opportunity in a digital age. The government’s strategy includes subsidizing equipment for disadvantaged students and continuing to expand broadband to every school (especially small village schools).
• E-Government and Online Services: The Montenegrin government has put considerable effort into e-government to improve public service delivery and transparency. As of late 2023, citizens and businesses can access hundreds of services online. The central e-government portal (eUprava) provides services like applying for documents, paying taxes, registering businesses, etc. According to the European Commission’s 2024 report, Montenegro had 389 e-government services available at end-2023 eeas.europa.eu. (This number had actually decreased slightly as services were consolidated or some removed, suggesting a focus on quality over quantity.) Importantly, a new central government portal (GOV.ME) was launched that meets international accessibility standards oecd.org – a big step for inclusive design. However, the use of e-services is still growing: not all citizens are aware of or trust online services yet. A UN e-government index ranks Montenegro with a “High” eGov Development score (EGDI 0.7211, ranked 81st globally in 2024) publicadministration.un.org, which is good but shows room for improvement in uptake and sophistication. Key initiatives in e-gov include:
  • Electronic IDs and digital signatures: Montenegro introduced electronic ID cards in 2020 that allow secure login to e-services. While adoption was slow initially, their use is picking up for signing documents and accessing portals bti-project.org.
  • Interoperability and data exchange: By 2023, progress was made in allowing government databases to talk to each other, so that citizens don’t have to submit the same documents repeatedly to different agencies eeas.europa.eu. For example, the civil registry can digitally provide data to other services. This streamlining is ongoing.
  • Local e-services: Some municipalities have their own e-portals for local permits, etc. But not all are up to par – a report noted that aside from the main GOV.me, many “public institution websites and online information sources” are not yet fully accessible or user-friendly oecd.org. There’s an effort to redesign these and improve quality.
  • Usage and satisfaction: A survey on satisfaction with electronic communication services indicated Montenegrin users are quite open to digital solutions – over 87% are satisfied with internet services and likely similarly expect good digital government services mdpi.com. However, actual usage of e-gov is limited by awareness. The government has been urged to better promote online services and ensure digital inclusion so that elderly or rural citizens can also benefit oecd.org.

Public Sector Digitalisation: Beyond citizen services, the public administration has been digitalizing internally. Notably, Montenegro suffered a series of cyberattacks on government IT systems in 2022 that disrupted services eeas.europa.eu. In response, there was a push to strengthen cybersecurity and backup systems in government. This incident actually underscored how reliant government has become on internet-based systems (for example, some municipalities couldn’t issue documents when systems were down). It spurred the government to accelerate digital resilience projects and likely increased the urgency to move services online with proper security.

Additionally, areas like healthcare and transportation are leveraging the internet: electronic health records are being implemented (with an Integral Health Information System connecting hospitals – partially in place mdpi.com mdpi.com) and telemedicine trials have occurred, particularly during the pandemic. The transport sector now provides online info for public transit and even live border crossing webcams for travelers montenegrodigitalnomad.com.

In summary, internet usage is deeply enmeshed in Montenegro’s business, education, and government sectors, though each at different stages of digital maturity. Businesses are online and gradually adopting advanced digital tools – e-commerce is the next frontier. Education is increasingly digital-friendly, with the pandemic forcing a leap that has partly endured. Government services have a solid digital foundation with many services available online, but need greater citizen uptake and continued improvement in user experience. The reliable internet infrastructure now in place across Montenegro is a backbone enabling all these sectors to modernize and become more efficient, ultimately supporting the country’s EU integration efforts and economic development.

Satellite Internet and Remote Area Coverage

While ground-based networks are the primary means of access in Montenegro, interest in satellite internet has grown, especially to serve the most remote locations. The spotlight is on SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, given its rapid global expansion. Here’s the status and role of satellite internet in Montenegro:

Starlink Availability: As of mid-2025, Starlink is on the cusp of launching in Montenegro. In a 2024 report, Starlink’s coverage map indicated that service would start in Montenegro by the end of 2024 sarajevotimes.com. Indeed, billboards with the Starlink “X” logo appeared in Montenegro and Serbia in late 2024, suggesting marketing prep for service launch sarajevotimes.com. At that time, Montenegro (and Serbia) were among the last European countries without active Starlink, whereas neighboring Bosnia’s start date was still “unknown” sarajevotimes.com – implying Montenegro was ahead in the regional queue. This aligns with SpaceX’s strategy of covering Europe extensively; by early 2025 Starlink is expected to be operational in Montenegro (if not already in pilot/beta).

Role of Starlink: Starlink is a high-speed satellite internet delivered via a low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite network. Its key advantage is providing broadband in areas with poor or no terrestrial infrastructure – e.g. isolated mountain villages, cabins on the peaks, or boats off the coast. In Montenegro’s context, Starlink could be a game-changer for certain niches:

• Rural northern communities where fiber or even reliable 4G hasn’t reached. Instead of waiting perhaps years for fiber, a village could get Starlink dishes and immediately have 50–150 Mbps internet.
• Outdoor tourism and maritime use: Montenegro’s national parks, remote resorts, or ships along the Adriatic could use Starlink to offer connectivity where currently there’s none or only patchy mobile.
• Emergency backup: Given Montenegro’s vulnerability to natural events (storms, etc.), Starlink can serve as a backup communications method for emergency services if ground networks fail.

However, Starlink’s downsides in this market are its cost and some regulatory hurdles. Pricing for Starlink is uniform in many places: roughly $90–$100 per month for the subscription, plus about $500 for the hardware kit (dish and router) sarajevotimes.com sarajevotimes.com. In Montenegro, where average monthly wages are around €700, a $90 (~€80) monthly fee is relatively expensive – far higher than local fiber or LTE plans. This means Starlink will likely not be a mainstream choice for those who have any decent alternative. It’s more targeted to those who cannot get another broadband connection.

The equipment cost is a significant upfront barrier too (comparable to several months of salary for some rural households). But businesses or collectives might absorb that – for example, a remote hotel might invest in one and then provide Wi-Fi to guests.

As for performance, Starlink offers speeds from ~50 Mbps up to 200 Mbps and low latency (~30 ms), based on global usage. It’s plenty for general internet use, though it can be affected by weather (Montenegro’s heavy snow in mountains or rainstorms could degrade signal somewhat) sarajevotimes.com. Importantly, Starlink requires a clear view of the sky; Montenegro’s often clear, but deep narrow valleys might have obstructed sky views – something to consider.

It’s worth noting that by 2025, there are other satellite internet projects (OneWeb, etc.), but none as active in the region as Starlink. OneWeb’s focus is more on enterprise/backhaul; Starlink is the one geared to consumers directly. Sarajevo Times reported that for Montenegro and Serbia, Starlink was expected active in 2024/2025, making Bosnia the only regional holdout sarajevotimes.com notebookcheck.net. So Montenegro is among the first in the Balkans to get it, which could spur some early adoption.

Regulatory aspect: Montenegro’s telecom regulator (EKIP) had to approve Starlink’s operation. According to regional news, Serbia’s regulator delayed Starlink’s entry until paperwork was sorted (took about 3 years) sarajevotimes.com sarajevotimes.com. Montenegro likely followed a similar path but seems to have resolved it if launch is imminent. No significant opposition was raised; Montenegrin authorities generally welcome technologies that help connectivity, as long as licensing fees or coordination issues are handled.

In summary, satellite internet – particularly Starlink – is poised to play a complementary role in Montenegro’s connectivity landscape. It is not expected to compete head-to-head with fiber or 5G in cities (due to cost and unlimited data needs), but it will be a lifeline for the hardest-to-reach places. By covering those last few percentage points of population, Starlink can help achieve universal service goals. It basically means no part of Montenegro needs to be offline – from mountain cottages to remote border posts – assuming one is willing to pay the premium for satellite. Over time, as satellite costs potentially come down and new players emerge, it might also introduce a competitive check on terrestrial ISPs in rural areas.

To illustrate, once Starlink is active, a farmer in the Durmitor highlands with previously no option could get ~100 Mbps internet, bringing global connectivity to one of the most isolated settings. This prospect has generated excitement. Montenegrin tech forums have had users discussing Starlink roaming even before official launch (some tested Starlink roaming units in Montenegro with varying success). By 2025, we expect to see the first real-world uses of satellite broadband in Montenegro, ensuring truly nationwide internet coverage – sky is the limit, literally.

Government Initiatives and Regulatory Framework

The Montenegrin government has been proactive in developing a regulatory environment and initiatives to support internet access expansion and modern telecommunication services. This stems both from domestic priorities and the country’s ambition to align with EU standards as part of the EU accession process. Key government-led efforts include:

• Strategic Digitization and EU Accession: Montenegro opened EU negotiation Chapter 10: Information Society and Media in 2014 mdpi.com, committing to adopt EU telecom rules and promote wide internet access. This led to a Digital Transformation Strategy and prioritization of ICT in national development plans mdpi.com mdpi.com. The government recognizes that “providing everyone, regardless of distance, with fast internet” is crucial for economic and social benefits mdpi.com. This high-level commitment translates into concrete targets (like broadband coverage goals) and legislative reforms.
• Telecom Laws and EU Alignment: Montenegro has been updating its legal framework to match the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). A new Law on Electronic Communications (to replace the 2013 law) was drafted to incorporate EECC provisions (spectrum management, consumer rights, etc.) and was pending adoption as of early 2024 oecd.org. Additionally, Montenegro passed a Law on the Use of Shared Infrastructure for High-Speed Networks in January 2022 oecd.org. This law implements the EU Broadband Cost Reduction Directive, meaning utilities must coordinate and allow telcos to use existing ducts, poles, etc., to speed up fiber deployment and cut costs. It’s partially implemented, but further alignment with updated EU State Aid guidelines (2023) is underway so that public funds can subsidize broadband in a technologically neutral way oecd.org. Overall, the regulatory trend is towards a liberalized, competition-friendly market under an independent regulator (EKIP) with rules similar to those in EU countries.
• Broadband Development Programs: The aforementioned National Broadband Development Plan (NBDP) is a flagship initiative. Although delayed, it aims to map out and fund broadband in areas lacking it. With the technical assistance started in 2023 and expected completion by end-2024 oecd.org, the plan will likely identify priority rural projects that can then apply for EU/IFI funding. The government has already earmarked potential financing via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and EBRD loans (~€64 million) to co-finance rural broadband once the plan is ready oecd.org. This shows a clear policy commitment: public funds will fill the gaps where private ISPs don’t invest, ensuring even low-density areas get at least one fast internet option.
• 5G Rollout Obligations: The government, through EKIP, designed spectrum auctions with coverage obligations. As noted, 5G license winners must cover every municipality by 2024 and 50% population by 2026 cms.law. These are fairly aggressive targets (particularly the municipality one – which essentially forces operators to install at least one 5G base station in each of the 24 municipalities, even the small ones, by this year). Such obligations ensure 5G isn’t confined only to big cities. Also, the requirement for continuous 5G coverage on highways and main roads by 2030 cms.law dovetails with the government’s infrastructure goals (since improved connectivity supports tourism and transport). In practice, the state is pushing operators to rapidly extend new technology – a positive for consumers, albeit operators have to budget for it.
• Regional Cooperation: Montenegro participates in the Western Balkan regional digital initiatives. The standout is the “Roam Like At Home” agreement in the Western Balkans, which as mentioned eliminated roaming fees between Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo from July 2021 mdpi.com. This was a government-level agreement applauded by citizens and businesses. Furthermore, Montenegro signed a memorandum on a 5G roadmap for the Western Balkans mdpi.com, aiming to coordinate spectrum strategies and best practices with neighbors. This regional approach helps a small country like Montenegro leverage collective bargaining and knowledge sharing.
• Digital Literacy and Inclusion Programs: The government, often with UNDP or EU support, has run programs to increase ICT skills and internet usage among the population. For example, a “Digital Literacy for All” campaign under the Human Development initiative emphasized bridging urban-rural and inter-generational gaps mdpi.com. Public Wi-Fi hotspots have been set up in some rural town centers and libraries to provide free internet access. The Ministry of Public Administration (which oversees digital society) has launched e-service awareness campaigns, encouraging citizens to use portals for services instead of in-person queues oecd.org oecd.org. While these are softer measures, they complement the hard infrastructure work by ensuring people can actually benefit from connectivity.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection: On the regulatory side, Montenegro adopted a Law on Cyber Security and has a national CIRT (Computer Incident Response Team). After the 2022 cyberattacks, the government treated it as a wake-up call to bolster defenses eeas.europa.eu. Additionally, Montenegro aligned with EU data privacy rules by updating its Law on Personal Data Protection (approximate to GDPR), which is important for building trust in online services. By protecting users and securing networks, the government aims to encourage more internet use for sensitive tasks (banking, e-government). In surveys, Montenegrins cite security concerns as one barrier to more internet transactions, so these legal protections are key.
• Market Oversight and Consumer Protection: EKIP, the telecom regulator, monitors service quality and pricing. They publish reports on coverage and speeds, like the 2019 report that compared mobile operators’ performance itu.int. Having this information publicly keeps operators accountable. The regulator also ensures competitive practices – for example, Montenegro follows EU competition law principles, preventing monopolistic behavior. The sale of Telenor (One) and Telemach’s acquisition are scrutinized to ensure no anti-competitive impacts (the Telemach–BH Telecom deal was approved with conditions, like requiring BH Telecom to notify the contract details to the agency seenews.com). All this fosters a healthy market, indirectly supporting better access and prices.

Future Outlook under Government Plans: Looking ahead, Montenegro’s government sees digital development as a cornerstone of its economy. The country’s Economic Reform Programme 2022-2024 integrated digital transition measures, and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (2019-2024) highlights ICT as a horizontal enabler for industries mdpi.com mdpi.com. By 2025, Montenegro likely aims to:

• Achieve near-universal broadband coverage (targeting the EU Gigabit Society goals of 100 Mbps for all households).
• Fully implement the EECC (European code) – which includes things like end-user rights (e.g., easier switching of ISPs), promoting 5G infrastructure, and maybe preparing for 6G discussions later in the decade.
• Increase usage of e-services to EU averages (for instance, aiming for the majority of citizens to use e-gov regularly, and businesses to interact with authorities online rather than on paper).
• Continue regional integration: by 2025, possibly implementing roaming between Western Balkans and the EU (there’s a roadmap to gradually reduce roaming charges between WB and EU, building on the success within WB) mdpi.com.

In summary, the Montenegrin government has been quite active in building a supportive ecosystem for internet access. From regulatory alignment to funding rural broadband and championing digital initiatives, the state’s role has been pivotal. This support is bearing fruit in terms of improved infrastructure, better affordability, and a growing digital culture. There is recognition at the highest levels that internet connectivity is not just a technical utility but a driver of economic growth, innovation, and EU integration. The continued collaboration with EU partners and adherence to European best practices bode well for Montenegro’s internet future. As one report concluded, “Telecommunications and the internet play key roles in shaping the future of Montenegro as a modern and connected society.” mdpi.com mdpi.com The government’s policies are very much aligned with making that statement a reality, ensuring that the benefits of the digital age reach all Montenegrins while maintaining an open, competitive market.

Conclusion and Regional Comparison

Montenegro’s journey in expanding internet access can be seen as a success story in progress. In the span of 15 years, it has evolved from limited connectivity to a country where broadband is widely available and embraced by the population. The combination of modern infrastructure (fiber networks, near-nationwide 4G, emerging 5G), a competitive ISP market, and supportive government policies has propelled Montenegro into the digital era.

Comparatively, within Southeast Europe, Montenegro holds its own:

• In penetration, an 81% household internet rate mdpi.com is similar to Serbia and higher than Bosnia, on track toward EU levels (93% oecd.org).
• In speeds, Montenegrin fixed broadband (median ~61 Mbps worldpopulationreview.com) outpaces several neighbors and will improve further as fiber reach grows. Mobile speeds (~44 Mbps median worldpopulationreview.com) will climb with 5G – already, Montenegro’s 5G population coverage (75% mdpi.com) is ahead of some Balkan peers that haven’t launched 5G widely.
• In policy and innovation, Montenegro has been among the first in the region on initiatives like removing roaming fees and testing 5G pilots sarajevotimes.com operatorwatch.com. Its regulatory alignment with the EU is on par with, if not slightly ahead of, its Western Balkan peers.
• One area it lags a bit is market size and investment – larger countries like Romania or Serbia naturally have more extensive telecom investments and local content ecosystems. But Montenegro compensates by leveraging regional players (Telekom, United Group, etc.) to bring in expertise and capital.

Looking ahead, Montenegro faces the task of completing coverage to the last mile – ensuring the most remote or marginalized communities are connected. The advent of Starlink satellite internet in 2024/2025 will assist in plugging some of those gaps, albeit at a higher cost sarajevotimes.com sarajevotimes.com. The real backbone, however, will continue to be fiber and 5G. With every municipality soon to have 5G and ambitious plans for rural fiber, the digital divide will narrow further cms.law.

The impact of widespread internet access is already visible in how Montenegrins work, learn, and govern. We can expect:

• More e-commerce, fintech, and startups to emerge as connectivity and digital literacy improve.
• Smart city concepts in tourism hubs like Kotor or Budva – leveraging IoT, public Wi-Fi, and e-services to enhance tourist and citizen experiences.
• Cross-border digital integration – e.g., Montenegro joining EU digital markets eventually, and connecting its government databases with EU systems in areas like customs, health (as it prepares for EU membership).

In conclusion, Montenegro’s internet access landscape in 2025 is characterized by modern infrastructure, broad coverage, improving speeds, and affordable services, underpinned by a forward-looking policy framework. Challenges remain in ensuring truly universal high-speed access and fostering greater use of digital services, but the trajectory is clearly upward. As one report aptly put it, Montenegro’s digital progress in the last 17 years underscores that “the quality of life of Montenegrin citizens has significantly increased” thanks to digitization mdpi.com mdpi.com. Continuing on this path, Montenegro is poised to fully harness the power of the internet for its development, while sharing experiences with and learning from its Southeast European neighbors in the joint pursuit of a connected, knowledge-driven future.

Table: Overview of Internet Access Technologies in Montenegro (2025)

Sources: Infrastructure and coverage data from EKIP and government reports mdpi.com oecd.org; speed metrics from Speedtest Global Index and operator info worldpopulationreview.com itu.int; Starlink details from Sarajevo Times and Starlink website sarajevotimes.com sarajevotimes.com; obligations from regulator rulings cms.law.