Bosnia and Herzegovina municipalities can access free Wi-Fi through EU initiative

Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to benefit from the WiFi4WB initiative, which allows municipalities to apply for the establishment of free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces. This initiative, supported by the European Union, is open for applications until April 28 of this year and aims to provide around 500 local governments across the Western Balkans with free internet access in areas such as parks, libraries, museums, and schools. It is part of the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which emphasizes the importance of digital transformation in facilitating regional integration and boosting economic development. Despite facing challenges, including political crises that hinder the full exploitation of EU opportunities, the initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide and promote economic opportunities for local communities. Comprehensive support will be offered to participating local governments, covering the procurement and installation of Wi-Fi equipment, internet services, and maintenance during the initial funding period. After this, local governments must ensure the sustainability of the services. The initiative highlights the critical role municipalities play in connecting citizens with essential digital services. Luigi Soreca, head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, encourages municipalities to take advantage of this opportunity and express their interest in the initiative to local representatives. America, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia can also participate, allowing for collaboration among the countries in improving digital infrastructure. WiFi4WB builds upon the success of the WiFi4EU initiative, which provided free internet to nearly 9,000 local governments in Europe, extending this vision to the Western Balkans. As local administrations receive tools and resources to enhance their digital infrastructure, the overarching goal remains to improve the quality of life for residents and enhance economic prospects for communities across the region.