In the first quarter of 2025, Serbia experienced a decline in the number of subscribers and traffic in fixed and mobile telephony. The regulatory body RATEL reported a decrease in the number of active mobile network users, as well as a reduction in voice and SMS traffic. The number of fixed telephony subscribers was about 2.2 million, with an average daily call duration of 1.4 hours. The majority of subscribers are individuals, i.e., private users. This trend indicates changes in the usage of telecommunication services in Serbia.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets focus on the implications of the decline in telephony usage for social equity and access to communication services. They emphasize the need for affordable and accessible telecommunication infrastructure, highlighting potential negative impacts on rural and low-income populations. They may also discuss the role of state regulation in protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair pricing.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the decline as a market trend reflecting changes in consumer behavior, such as the shift towards internet-based communication platforms. They present the data neutrally, focusing on statistics and regulatory reports without strong editorializing. The emphasis is on the evolving telecommunications landscape and the need for industry adaptation.
Right: Right-leaning media highlight the decline as a natural outcome of technological progress and market competition. They stress the importance of innovation and private sector efficiency in telecommunications. The narrative may include praise for deregulation and market-driven solutions, suggesting that consumers are moving away from traditional telephony towards more modern alternatives.
