North Macedonia to introduce Starlink satellite mobile services

North Macedonia is set to implement direct satellite mobile connectivity through Starlink technology. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski announced that a third mobile operator will utilize Starlink services to provide more competitive offerings in the domestic market.

The expansion is part of the ‘Starlink Mobile V2’ plan, a collaboration between 4iG and SpaceX. While the first generation of Starlink Mobile services is slated for Hungary and Albania, North Macedonia, along with Montenegro, is included in the plans for the next generation of technology. This service aims to provide broadband connectivity directly to mobile phones, supplementing terrestrial networks, particularly in areas with limited coverage or during infrastructure outages.

The new operator is expected to begin coverage in Skopje, as the company is obligated to cover at least one city by 2027. Nikoloski anticipates that this new competition will lead to significantly lower prices for consumers compared to the current two existing operators.