The new mobile operator in Macedonia 4iG will utilize the Starlink satellite network owned by billionaire Elon Musk, Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski told the national broadcaster MRT on Monday evening.
When asked whether the telecommunications company 4iG is building its own 5G network, Nikoloski noted that they have already announced a strategic partnership, adding that Macedonia will be among the first countries where this technology is implemented directly. Regarding the potential risk that Musk might cut off access, as occurred in Ukraine, the Minister notes that this is a purely commercial agreement.
“They have already announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink; beyond Ukraine, Macedonia and Montenegro will be the first countries where Starlink is utilized directly, meaning both the mobile network and the internet network will run via Starlink.
Currently, as far as I know, they are leasing base stations, but once testing is complete, they will transition directly to Starlink, that is, to Elon Musk’s satellites. You would agree that this represents a significant leap for Macedonia within this major technological race. I do not believe this applies to the commercial sector. As Secretary Rubio explained, this concerns the state and military sphere; the commercial sector is an entirely different matter,” said Nikoloski.
When asked whether the reviews announced by the Hungarian Government might affect 4iG’s investment plans in the country, Deputy PM Nikoloski pointed out that the operator has until March 2027 to provide coverage in at least one city, and the fact that they have chosen Skopje itself serves as proof of their serious intent.