The Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) announced today that free Wi-Fi networks have been established in 24 municipalities in Montenegro.
"Internet access today is not a luxury, but a basic prerequisite for active participation in modern society. Through the WiFi4WB initiative, we are strengthening digital infrastructure at the local level, reducing the digital divide and creating the foundations for citizen-friendly public administration," said Minister Maraš Dukaj at the official kick-off ceremony, which marked the beginning of the establishment of free Wi-Fi networks.
As announced by the government department, the event is part of coordinated launching ceremonies for the initiative across the Western Balkans.
The MPA adds that the WiFi4WB initiative is part of the broader EU4Digital project, co-financed by the European Union and the German Government, and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration.
"Inspired by the successful EU WiFi4EU program, which has enabled free internet in more than 7.000 communities across Europe, the initiative will provide citizens and visitors with access to free Wi-Fi in public locations such as squares, parks, libraries, schools and cultural facilities. On this occasion, a ceremony was held at the House of Culture in Danilovgrad, at which, in addition to the Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, MA, the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro and Head of the EU Delegation, Johann Sattler, the Ambassador of Germany, Peter Felten, the President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Aleksandar Grgurović, GIZ Program Manager Gudrun Kramer, and the CEO of ONE, Branko Mitrović, addressed the event," the statement said.
Dukaj, as reported, emphasized that the WiFi4WB initiative represents a strong step towards the digital transformation of local governments and improving the quality of life of citizens.
"As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Municipality of Danilovgrad and GIZ, formalizing cooperation on the installation, maintenance and long-term operation of the WiFi4WB network in Montenegro," the statement reads.
The MPA said that after the signing, the first Wi-Fi hot spot was symbolically activated, officially marking the beginning of the implementation of the initiative in the field.
"The Ministry of Public Administration is strongly committed to strengthening the capacities of local governments, as they are the first point of contact for citizens with public administration. Through support for digitalization and modern technological solutions, we are laying the foundations for an efficient public administration, tailored to citizens," concluded Dukaj.
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