4iG is building a 5G network in North Macedonia

The Hungarian telecommunications group 4iG is expanding its presence in Southeast Europe. On March 4, its subsidiary One Macedonia Telecommunications signed a four-year contract with Ericsson to build a standalone 5G network (5G SA) in North Macedonia. The project is part of an investment program worth approximately 100 million euros.

Over the next four years, the partners plan to deploy more than 500 5G base stations. The first urban 5G services are scheduled to launch in spring 2027. Nationwide coverage is to follow by 2033, in accordance with licensing requirements. The companies signed the supply and service agreement at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. The agreement covers the period from 2026 to 2029.

Ericsson is serving as the exclusive technology partner. The company is supplying equipment for the radio access network and core network, providing software solutions, and supporting implementation. Ericsson will also provide long-term technical support.

The partners had already signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2025. In January 2026, the authorities granted the frequency license for the project.

Since this is a greenfield investment, the companies are building the network from scratch. This is expected to enable particularly high data rates, low latency, and improved energy efficiency.

According to the partners, the new infrastructure is intended to better connect households, businesses, and public institutions. At the same time, it is intended to accelerate North Macedonia’s digital transformation.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews