Makedonski Telekom claimed to beat rivals to the punch by launching the first commercial 5G network in North Macedonia.
Preparations of the launch of the network standard began in 2018 when the operator conducted tests in its 5G laboratory, which lead to a real network test a year later where data speeds of 1Gbps were achieved, which is 10 times faster than the standard 4G speed in the country.
The operator said it has taken only half a year for it to roll out a 5G connecting to 15 cities and surrounding areas: Stip, Veles, Kavadarci, Negotino, Sveti Nikole, Bitola, Prilep, Krushevo, Ohrid, Struga, Resen, Strumica, Radovish, Gevgelija and Dojran.
By May capital city Skopje and surrounding areas will see 100% 5G coverage, and by October 26 cities will see 5G connectivity. Makedonski acquired spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.6GHz band from regulator Agency for Electronic Communications of the Republic of Macedonia.
Makedonski Telekom chief executive Nikola Ljushev said establishing 5G in the country is an important requisite to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution.
The operator is offering a range of 5G devices including those from Samsung. Xiaomi and Motorola.
