ABOUT WIFI4WB

The WiFi4WB initiative is part of the EU4Digital project, co-funded by the European Union and the German government and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

WiFi4WB is designed to provide free public Wi-Fi networks in municipalities throughout the Western Balkans, targeting public spaces such as squares, parks, libraries, museums, and schools. By offering reliable internet access, this initiative facilitates better communication, learning, and working environments for residents and visitors alike. It also supports the broader objective of accelerating the digital transition and integrating the Western Balkans into the EU Digital Single Market.

The initiative aims to establish minimum of 300 Wi-Fi networks across 300 municipalities within the six Western Balkan economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Participating municipalities will receive a comprehensive package that includes Wi-Fi equipment, installation, internet service, and maintenance for the period of up to three years. The exact timeframe will be confirmed once internet service providers (ISPs) are selected.

To ensure efficient implementation, ISPs will be contracted through a centralized procurement process managed by GIZ. The goal is to select six providers—one per economy—who will be responsible for installing and maintaining the networks. This selection process is separate from the municipality selection phase and is essential for determining the project’s rollout schedule.

WiFi4WB builds on the success of the EU’s WiFi4EU program, which allocated €130 million to establish public Wi-Fi networks in EU municipalities. However, unlike WiFi4EU’s voucher-based system—where municipalities independently selected and contracted ISPs—WiFi4WB follows a centralized approach, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the region.

The call is open to all municipalities within the Western Balkans: 

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia.  

A municipality is considered to be a specific geographic area that is governed by a local administrative authority, which is responsible for managing public services and addressing the needs of the community within its jurisdiction. 

To be eligible for the WiFi4WB initiative, the application must be submitted by the Mayor/Head of Municipality, an official employed by the municipality, or a member of the municipal council. The application must be submitted with prior agreement and official authorization from the Mayor or Head of Municipality. 

A signed proof of this agreement must be uploaded during the application process. Template for the Proof of agreement can be found on the WiFi4WB website under the section Who can apply, or on the following link: PROOF OF AGREEMENT. 

To apply for support through the WiFi4WB initiative, municipalities need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Register Your Municipality 

Before applying to the public call, municipalities must first register on the WiFi4WB platform. If your municipality has not yet registered, follow these simple steps to create a profile: 

• Click the "Register" button located in the top-right corner of the web page or click on the following link: REGISTER 
• Complete the registration form by providing the basic details about the municipality. 
• Submit the form to officially create your municipality’s profile, which will be used for the application process.

Step 2: Apply to the Public Call 

The call for application opens on 28 March 2025. and it will remain open until 28 April 2025. Once your municipality is registered, log into your profile and complete the application form directly on the website. For the application process you will need to: 

1. Submit Proof of Agreement  

Upload a signed PROOF OF AGREEMENT (downloading link) from the Mayor or Head of Municipality confirming the municipality’s participation in the initiative. 

2. Nominate and Describe Wi-Fi Network Locations

Nominate up to three locations for free Wi-Fi network installation. As only one location will be selected, the order of listing is crucial, with the first-ranked location being considered the municipality’s top preference and receiving priority in the selection process. Provide essential details about each proposed location, including size (in square meters), whether it is an indoor or outdoor space, existing internet infrastructure, and any permit requirements. If permits are needed, confirm the municipality’s commitment to securing them. 

3. Acknowledge the Municipality’s Commitment

By submitting an application, the municipality agrees to participate in the WiFi4WB initiative and receive free public Wi-Fi, including technical equipment, installation, and maintenance for up to three years. The exact timeframe will be determined once internet service providers are selected. After this fully funded period, the municipality commits to covering the cost of internet service for at least one additional year. This ensures continuity and supports the long-term sustainability of public internet access.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

GIZ processes all personal data in strict compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). Personal data is collected only to the extent necessary for the application process, entered into a secure system, and stored in accordance with data protection regulations. This information will not be shared with third parties. Applicants may withdraw their consent at any time.

Further details on data protection can be found on the WiFi4WB website under Data Protection Policy.

Selection of municipalities: 

• Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Municipalities are therefore encouraged to register early and prepare to submit their applications as soon as the call opens on 28 March 2025. 
• To ensure equal access, at least 25% of the total 300 selected municipalities will be from less populated areas. Based on distribution key per economy, municipalities with fewer than 50 inhabitants per square kilometre will be prioritized to receive support to address digital infrastructure gaps and support balanced regional development. 

Selection of internet providers:  

• GIZ will conduct a tender process to select internet service providers that will be responsible for providing the technical equipment, installation, provision of internet and maintenance services. A single procurement process will be conducted for all six economies, divided into separate lots. Once internet service providers are selected, installation of Wi-Fi networks will begin. Their first step will be to assess the locations proposed locations proposed by municipalities and determine the most suitable spots for installing the Wi-Fi networks.

Memorandum of understanding (MOU)

• Selected municipalities will sign memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GIZ after which the assigned internet service provider from their respective economy will proceed with delivering the equipment and agreed services.  

Installation and configuration of Wi-Fi hotspots:  

• Once municipalities are selected and internet service providers procured, the setup of Wi-Fi networks will begin. The setup of individual Wi-Fi networks is expected to begin in last quarter of 2025.

Municipalities will have the following key obligations before receiving the support package, which includes equipment, installation, internet service, and maintenance:

Identify Suitable Locations

• Municipalities must suggest three suitable public locations, such as squares, parks, libraries, schools, or museums, where the Wi-Fi access points could be installed. These locations should be accessible and beneficial to residents and visitors. The proposed locations should have the necessary basic infrastructure in place, such as coaxial, fiber or telephone cables and physical space to accommodate the Wi-Fi equipment. 

Ensure Sustainability

• Municipalities must agree to maintain the Wi-Fi service for minimum of one year after the project ends, ensuring it continues to serve the community in the long term. Through the initiative, municipalities will receive and become the owners of the necessary equipment for setting up Wi-Fi networks, with all installation costs fully covered. Additionally, the project will provide internet service and maintenance for up to three years. However, once this period ends, municipalities will be responsible for keeping the service operational. To do so, they must commit to maintaining the Wi-Fi service for at least one additional year by either: 
  • Covering the monthly internet service fee (price will be determined during the selection of internet service providers), or
  • Conducting a separate procurement process to contract a different provider capable of delivering internet service using the existing equipment.

Obtain Necessary Permissions

• Municipalities are responsible for securing any required permits or approvals for the installation and operation of the Wi-Fi equipment at the proposed locations. 

Provide Power Supply

• Municipalities must ensure there is at least one accessible power outlet at the selected locations to support the uninterrupted operation of the Wi-Fi equipment. During installation, the internet service provider may relocate the outlet if needed to optimize the placement of access points.

Increased Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi hotspots provide residents and visitors with easy access to the internet, helping bridge the digital divide by offering reliable connectivity in public spaces like parks, libraries, schools, and other community areas.

Enhanced Education and Learning

Access to free Wi-Fi allows students, teachers, and learners to easily access online educational resources, improving learning opportunities and facilitating remote education.

Economic Growth

Free Wi-Fi can support local businesses by attracting more customers who rely on internet access. It can also help small businesses with online operations, advertising, and communication.

Improved Public Services

Access to Wi-Fi enables people to engage with government services and information online, facilitating easier access to essential services and enhancing public sector efficiency.

Social Inclusion

Free Wi-Fi promotes social inclusion by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has access to the internet, fostering communication and participation in the digital world.

Tourism Boost

Visitors and tourists benefit from free Wi-Fi hotspots by being able to access maps, local information, and services, making the area more attractive for tourism and improving the visitor experience.

Encourages Innovation

Public access to Wi-Fi can spur innovation by allowing people to use the internet for creative projects, collaboration, and the development of new digital tools and services.

Internet service providers will use the newest available equipment available in the market which has compatibility with standard: IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). To secure best available internet at each location, providers will have to guarantee minimum speed of 50 Mbps and minimum of 100 concurrent users. In addition, providers will have to guarantee 99% of up time for the networks. Outdor locations will have to have at least 5 access points, while indoor locations will have at least 8 access points inter-connected with the switch. The exact coverage area for each Wi-Fi network will be determined prior to installation, based on the size and layout of the location.