Starlink is coming to Bosnia: Serbia and Montenegro still waiting

SpaceX has begun accepting preliminary registrations for users in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for its Starlink satellite internet service, though operational launch is pending approval from local authorities. Interested individuals can currently express interest and pay a $9 deposit through SpaceX’s website, according to reports. This marks the first time BiH, along with Serbia and Montenegro, has been included in the list of countries eligible for Starlink services, which had previously excluded these regions. The three nations, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro, are currently marked in gray on SpaceX's map of available services, indicating they will become accessible this year. However, Starlink has yet to begin active operations in BiH due to the need for regulatory clearance from the government. The company registered Starlink BH, a subsidiary entity, in BiH earlier this year and submitted a license application in May. The state Regulatory Agency for Communications (RAK) is currently reviewing the request after asking for additional information from the applicant. Users who submit their registration must wait for notification regarding when the service option and necessary equipment will be available for ordering. They have the right to cancel the reservation within 30 days of receiving the equipment. According to the available description, the basic package offering speeds of 100 megabits per second is priced at $55 for interested users in BiH, while higher-speed packages are offered at $85 and $135 respectively. The move comes amid growing demand for reliable internet access in parts of the Balkans, where traditional broadband infrastructure remains underdeveloped in certain areas. SpaceX's expansion into these regions follows similar efforts in other parts of Europe and beyond, where the company has already launched services in several countries. The process of obtaining regulatory approval in BiH involves multiple steps, including evaluations by RAK and potential consultations with other relevant government bodies. The Ministry of Transport and Communications in BiH confirmed that RAK is handling the licensing request and has requested additional documentation from SpaceX. The timeline for final approval remains unclear, but the inclusion of BiH in the Starlink network represents a significant step toward expanding global connectivity. In addition to BiH, Serbia and Montenegro remain in a similar position, awaiting official confirmation of their eligibility for Starlink services. These countries were previously excluded from the program, likely due to regulatory hurdles or geopolitical considerations. As SpaceX continues to expand its reach, the situation in these Balkan states could change depending on how quickly local governments approve the necessary permits. The introduction of Starlink in BiH would provide an alternative to existing internet providers, particularly in rural and remote areas where conventional broadband options are limited. However, the service requires specific hardware, such as a satellite dish and modem, which must be ordered once availability is announced. Users who opt for the service would also face ongoing subscription costs, with the base plan starting at $55 per month. Regulatory agencies in BiH have expressed cautious optimism about the potential benefits of Starlink, emphasizing the importance of ensuring compliance with national laws and protecting consumer interests. While the technology offers promising solutions for improving digital access, officials are keen to ensure that any new service aligns with broader telecommunications policies and does not disrupt existing market dynamics.