Telekom Srbija is developing a large-scale telecommunications network at Belgrade’s Expo 2027 complex, combining 5G, fibre and digital infrastructure intended to serve the site during the international exhibition and remain in use afterward. The project already includes more than 46 km of high-capacity fibre, 14 km of telecommunications ducts and 35 radio-access sites.
The network will combine 5G Standalone and Wi-Fi 7 and is being designed for more than 135 participating countries and an expected four million visitors during the 93-day Expo. Much of the infrastructure is planned to remain operational after the event as part of the digital infrastructure of the new Surčin development area.
Telecommunications Infrastructure Integrated Into Expo Development
The project covers more than conventional mobile connectivity, with cybersecurity systems, digital platforms and IoT services being developed alongside fibre and radio infrastructure. Around 200 Telekom Srbija employees are involved across technology, business and communications operations.
Building the telecommunications network alongside the wider Expo complex enables fibre, ducts and radio infrastructure to be incorporated into the development during construction rather than installed afterward. The combination of high-capacity fibre and standalone 5G can support sensors, security systems, building-management platforms, autonomous devices and industrial applications requiring reliable, low-latency connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 will provide an additional high-capacity connectivity layer for pavilions, public areas and enterprise users.
Expo Provides Platform for Technology Services
Telekom Srbija also plans to use the Expo as a platform for its technology and communications services. Participating countries, companies and organisations will require connectivity, cybersecurity, IoT, mobile communications and media-production services during the event. Telekom operates in 13 countries and serves almost 14 million users, providing an existing regional platform for services and technologies demonstrated through the Belgrade project. The development also reflects the broader expansion of telecommunications operators into enterprise technology, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, IoT and systems integration, alongside traditional mobile and fixed-line services.
Digital Infrastructure Planned for Long-Term Use
The telecommunications network is designed to retain a role in the Surčin development after Expo 2027. Fibre ducts, radio sites and core telecommunications systems can continue serving businesses, residential developments and public facilities once the exhibition ends. The infrastructure could also provide a reference model for other Serbian developments where telecommunications, energy, mobility, security and building systems are incorporated into integrated infrastructure.
Potential applications include enterprise 5G, IoT, cybersecurity, data services and smart-infrastructure integration. The Expo project is also linked to Telekom Srbija’s wider 5G expansion, with the company targeting full 5G coverage across Serbia by the end of 2027
