More than 1.1 million logins recorded through WiFi4WB hotspots across Kosovo

The WiFi4WB initiative is part of EU4Digital, a regional programme supporting digital inclusion and connectivity across the Western Balkans. Through the initiative, free public Wi-Fi has been made available in public locations selected by municipalities, including squares, parks, libraries and other places used by local communities.

The programme is co-funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Kosovo Telecom, through its Vala brand, is the implementation partner.

The level of use already recorded demonstrates the practical value of providing free connectivity in public spaces. At the National Library of Kosovo, where the milestone was marked, the WiFi4WB hotspot recorded more than 15,000 logins since August.

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Lulëzon Jagxhiu, Minister of Digitalization and Public Administration, highlighted that the WiFi4WB network has recorded over 1.1 million internet connections since the inauguration of the first hotspot in Podujeva on 23 April, demonstrating its concrete value for citizens and its role in ensuring more inclusive access to digital opportunities.

Boguslaw Gertruda, EU in Kosovo Political Head, highlighted the wider European dimension of the initiative: “The EU’s support for improving digital connectivity is helping Kosovo align with European standards and move closer to the EU Digital Single Market. WiFi4WB brings the benefits of digitalisation closer to people, while supporting Kosovo and the rest of the Western Balkans in their digital transition.”

 Speaking on behalf of the German Government, Daniel Alker, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy said: „Through this initiative 33 municipalities across Kosovo now have WiFi4WB hotspots in public locations and more than 1.1 million logins have already been recorded across the country. WiFi4WB is helping extend public access to the internet beyond the places that are already best connected”.

Përparim Rama, Mayor of Pristina, also addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of expanding access to free internet in public spaces. 

The event also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GIZ and the Municipality of Pristina, formalising their cooperation on the operation and long-term maintenance of the WiFi4WB hotspot in the municipality, ensuring continued access to free internet for citizens.

WiFi4WB is bringing around 500 free public Wi-Fi hotspots to communities across the Western Balkans, supporting greater access to connectivity and the opportunities that come with it. The initiative is inspired by the EU's WiFi4EU programme, which has brought free public Wi-Fi to more than 7,000 communities across Europe.

With the rollout now completed in the 33 participating municipalities, more than 1.1 million logins demonstrate the tangible impact of WiFi4WB in expanding digital inclusion and ensuring that more people and communities can benefit from the opportunities created by connectivity and digitalisation.