The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development engaged Salience to support Serbia in designing a modern fixed broadband Universal Service Obligation. The focus was to expand access to high-quality broadband services in underserved areas through a clear, technology-neutral framework supported by viable financing and operator selection mechanisms.
The challenge
Serbia needed to establish a national approach to broadband USO that aligned with international best practices while addressing local market realities. Policymakers required clarity on minimum service requirements, financing options, and regulatory amendments to ensure that operators could sustainably meet their obligations without distorting competition.
Project outline
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Reviewed international USO frameworks and best practices from the EU and Western Balkans.
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Proposed a Serbia-specific implementation approach for fixed broadband USO.
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Defined minimum technical requirements such as speed and quality of service.
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Analyzed financing mechanisms and developed potential funding models.
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Designed a methodology for identifying and prioritizing target geographic areas.
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Established criteria and procedures for selecting implementing operators.
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Conducted stakeholder consultations to capture national priorities and expectations.
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Identified required legal and regulatory amendments and drafted recommendations.
Our impact
Salience delivered a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap enabling Serbia to operationalize a fixed broadband USO tailored to its regulatory, economic, and geographic context. The work provided the government with a clear framework for financing, service requirements, and operator selection, laying the foundation for expanding broadband access to underserved communities.
Duration of engagement: September 2021 – March 2022