Jump to content

Telecommunications in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,518,154 edits
Move 1 url. Wayback Medic 2.5
Luka0188 (talk | contribs)
302 edits
No edit summary
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|none}}
⚫
'''[[Telecommunications]] in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]''' include [[radio]], [[television]], [[fixed telephone|fixed]] and [[mobile telephone]]s, and the [[Internet]].
{{Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
{{Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina}}


⚫
'''[[Telecommunications]] in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]''' include [[radio]], [[television]], [[fixed telephone|fixed]] and [[mobile telephone]]s, and the [[Internet]].
==History==

Telecommunications were well established before the [[Bosnian war]] erupted in the early 1990s. The infrastructure included the telephone and telegraph network, as well as a network for transfer of data. The total capacity of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] telephone exchange facilities was 744,000 telephone lines. The war caused huge material damages to telecommunications facilities. In addition, the administrative division of the country into two entities created a division in the telecommunications sector. Post-war reconstruction of the telecommunications network is aided by an internationally sponsored program under the [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]].{{citation needed |date=January 2014}}


==Radio and television==
==Radio and television==
{{See also |List of radio stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina |Television in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
{{See also |List of radio stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina |Television in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}


* [[Radio broadcasting|Radio stations]]: 3 large public radio broadcasters and many private radio stations (2010).<ref name=CIAWFB-BiH-2014>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bk.html "Communications: Bosnia and Herzegovina"], ''World Factbook'', U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, 28 January 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref>
* [[Radio broadcasting|Radio stations]]: 3 large public radio broadcasters and many private radio stations (2010).<ref name="CIAWFB-BiH-2014">[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/bosnia-and-herzegovina/ "Communications: Bosnia and Herzegovina"], ''World Factbook'', U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, 28 January 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref>
* [[Television broadcasting|Television stations]]: 3 public TV broadcasters: [[Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (BHRT), [[Federalna televizija|Federation TV]] operating 2 networks, and [[Radio Televizija Republike Srpske]]; a local commercial network of 5 TV stations; 3 private, near-national TV stations; and dozens of small independent TV stations (2010).<ref name=CIAWFB-BiH-2014/>
* [[Television broadcasting|Television stations]]: 3 public TV broadcasters: [[Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (BHRT), [[Federalna televizija|Federation TV]] operating 2 networks, and [[Radio Televizija Republike Srpske]]; a local commercial network of 5 TV stations; 3 private, near-national TV stations; and dozens of small independent TV stations (2010).<ref name="CIAWFB-BiH-2014" />


The Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA) is charged with regulating the country's radio and television media.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012/>
The Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA) is charged with regulating the country's radio and television media.<ref name="USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012" />


During the Bosnian war, most media became propaganda tools of the authorities, armies, and factions. Since then, efforts have been made - with limited success - to develop media which bridge ethnic boundaries.<ref name=BBCNewsProfileForBiH/>
During the Bosnian war, most media became propaganda tools of the authorities, armies, and factions. Since then, efforts have been made—with limited success—to develop media which bridge ethnic boundaries.<ref name="BBCNewsProfileForBiH" />


TV is the chief news source. The most influential broadcasters are the public radio and TV stations operated by the Bosniak-Croat and Serb entities. The [[Office of the High Representative]] (OHR), the leading international civilian agency in Bosnia, oversaw the development of national public broadcasting. The OHR worked to create a non-nationalist, civic media.<ref name=BBCNewsProfileForBiH>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17211939 "Bosnia-Hercegovina profile - Media"], ''BBC News'', 18 December 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref>
TV is the chief news source. The most influential broadcasters are the public radio and TV stations operated by the Bosniak-Croat and Serb entities. The [[Office of the High Representative]] (OHR), the leading international civilian agency in Bosnia, oversaw the development of national public broadcasting. The OHR worked to create a non-nationalist, civic media.<ref name="BBCNewsProfileForBiH">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17211939 "Bosnia-Hercegovina profile - Media"], ''BBC News'', 18 December 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref>


[[Sarajevo]] is home to [[Al Jazeera Balkans|Al-Jazeera Balkans TV]], an offshoot of the Qatar-based pan-Arab news network, broadcasting in [[Bosnian language|Bosnian]], [[Croatian language|Croatian]], and [[Serbian language|Serbian]].<ref name=BBCNewsProfileForBiH/>
[[Sarajevo]] is home to [[Al Jazeera Balkans|Al-Jazeera Balkans TV]], an offshoot of the Qatar-based pan-Arab news network, broadcasting in [[Bosnian language|Bosnian]], [[Croatian language|Croatian]], and [[Serbian language|Serbian]].<ref name="BBCNewsProfileForBiH" />


==Telephones==
==Telephones==
⚫
{{See also|Telephone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
[[File:Bosnia infrastructure IMG 9549 pale.JPG |thumb|Telecom and radio infrastructure on a rooftop in the city of Pale, Republika Srpska, Bosnia-Hercegovina (c. 2012).]]
[[File:Bosnia infrastructure IMG 9549 pale.JPG|thumb|upright|Telecom and radio infrastructure on a rooftop in the city of Pale, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (c. 2012)]]
⚫
{{See also |Telephone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}


The Telecommunications sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina is undergoing liberalisation. Up to 2006, there were three licensed fixed telecommunication operators: [[BH Telecom]], based in [[Sarajevo]], covering 51% of the population of BiH and most of the territory of the [[Federation of BiH]]; [[Telekom Srpske]], based in [[Banja Luka]], covering 34% of the population of BiH, mainly in the territory of [[Republica Srpska]]; and [[HT Mostar]], covering 16% of the population of BiH, mainly in the [[Federation of BiH]]. The three companies enjoyed a ''de facto'' monopoly over their operating areas, although they have nationwide licenses for domestic and international calls.<ref name=Agcom>AGCOM & CRA, 2008, Overview of the Communications Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina</ref>{{rp|180}} New players have entered the marked since the start of its liberalisation in 2007.<ref>Communications Regulatory Agency, 2009a, Public Register of Public Broadcasters</ref><ref name=EJC>Tarik Jusić, "[http://ejc.net/media_landscapes/bosnia-and-herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina]", EJC Media Landscapes</ref>
The telecommunications sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina is undergoing liberalisation. Up to 2006, there were three licensed fixed telecommunication operators: [[BH Telecom]], based in [[Sarajevo]], covering 51% of the population of BiH and most of the territory of the [[Federation of BiH]]; [[Telekom Srpske]], based in [[Banja Luka]], covering 34% of the population of BiH, mainly in the territory of [[Republica Srpska]]; and [[HT Eronet]], covering 16% of the population of BiH, mainly in the [[Federation of BiH]]. The three companies enjoyed a ''de facto'' monopoly over their operating areas, although they have nationwide licenses for domestic and international calls.<ref name="Agcom">AGCOM & CRA, 2008, Overview of the Communications Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina</ref>{{rp|180}} New competitors, such as [[Telemach (Bosnia and Herzegovina)|Telemach]], have entered the marked since the start of its liberalisation in 2007.<ref>Communications Regulatory Agency, 2009a, Public Register of Public Broadcasters</ref><ref name="EJC">Tarik Jusić, "[http://ejc.net/media_landscapes/bosnia-and-herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina]", EJC Media Landscapes</ref>
The numbers of fixed telephony service subscribers were 849,027 in 2001 and 1,022,475 in 2007. Fixed telephony penetration rates increased from 22.35% (2001) to 26.41% (2007).<ref name=Agcom/>{{rp|189–190}}
The numbers of fixed telephony service subscribers were 849,027 in 2001 and 1,022,475 in 2007. Fixed telephony penetration rates increased from 22.35% (2001) to 26.41% (2007).<ref name="Agcom" />{{rp|189–190}}


The mobile telephony sector is highly competitive, as the three main telephone operators compete nationwide with the brands BH Mobile, M-Tel and HT Eronet.<ref name=Agcom/>{{rp|182}} Mobile networks cover 99% of the population and have a 63.29% penetration rate, with 2,450,425 subscribers in 2007, doubling from 2004.<ref name=Agcom/>{{rp|192}} All three mobile operators operate on [[LTE Advanced|4G+ network]].<ref>https://www.klix.ba/biznis/isprobali-smo-4g-mrezu-u-sarajevu-brzine-i-do-230-mbps/190408082</ref>
The mobile telephony sector is highly competitive,{{cn|date=April 2020}} as the three main telephone operators compete nationwide with the brands [[BH Mobile]], [[Mtel (Bosnia and Herzegovina)|M:Tel]] and [[HT Eronet|ERONET]].<ref name="Agcom" />{{rp|182}} Mobile networks cover 99% of the population and have a 63.29% penetration rate, with 2,450,425 subscribers in 2007, doubling from 2004.<ref name="Agcom" />{{rp|192}} All three mobile operators operate on [[LTE Advanced|4G+ network]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.klix.ba/biznis/isprobali-smo-4g-mrezu-u-sarajevu-brzine-i-do-230-mbps/190408082|title = Isprobali smo 4G mrežu u Sarajevu: Brzine i do 230 MBPS}}</ref>


The TLC operators are still mainly state-owned and there is strong resistance to privatisation, with 90% of BH Telecom and 50.1% of HT Mostar owned by the Federation of BiH. In Republika Srpska, [[Telekom Srpska]] was privatised and is now mainly (65%) owned by [[Telekom Srbija]]<ref name=Agcom/>{{rp|186}}
The TLC operators are still mainly state-owned and there is strong resistance to privatisation, with 90% of BH Telecom and 50.1% of HT Mostar owned by the Federation of BiH. In Republika Srpska, [[Telekom Srpska]] was privatised and is now mainly (65%) owned by [[Telekom Srbija]]<ref name="Agcom" />{{rp|186}}


The three main TLC operators have strong links to political parties. In 2003, an [[OHR]]-mandated audit revealed that BH Telekom, RS Telekom and HT Mostar suffered substantial misure of funds, corruption and mismanagement, with a total loss of USD 57 million in 2002. Pressure for reform was raised by the public revelation of high salaries and financial support to political parties. This led to the sacking of the board of Bosniak-controlled BH Telekom in 2003. <ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=kUpop39XnJYC&pg=PA151 Nations in Transit], 2004</ref> Yet, telecom companies continued being used as cash-machines by Bosnian political parties. In 2010, a U.S. cable defined Eronet and HT Mostar as [[HDZ BiH]]'s "traditional cash cow", noting how "As [[Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Federation]] Minister of Finance in 1999, [[Dragan Covic|Covic]] helped arrange the transfer of Eronet to three private companies owned by HDZ-BiH interests. [Stipe] Prlic, as HT Mostar's General Manager, challenged the privatization in court and won, arguing that the Federation government had not authorized it. Covic has fought Prlic's reappointment ever since."<ref>Wikileaks, SARAJEVO 00000061 001.2 OF 002 </ref><ref>[https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WL1001/S02398/cablegate-bosnia-dispute-over-federation-telecom-firm.htm Scoop.co.nz]</ref>
⚫
The telecommunications market is regulated by the Communications Regulatory Agency, which also regulates broadcasting and Internet sectors.<ref name=EJC/>


⚫
The telecommunications market is regulated by the Communications Regulatory Agency, which also regulates broadcasting and Internet sectors.<ref name="EJC" />
⚫
* [[Calling code]]: +387<ref name=CIAWFB-BiH-2014/>

⚫
* [[Landline|Total fixed lines]]: 852,442 lines (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
⚫
* [[Calling code]]: +387<ref name="CIAWFB-BiH-2014" />
⚫
** 701,070 [[PSTN|analog fixed]] lines (2012).
* [[Landline|Total fixed lines]]: 583,729 lines (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023">{{cite book |title=Telekomunikacijski pokazatelji BiH u 2023. godini |publisher=Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina |url=https://docs.rak.ba//documents/6b29c0ee-5df3-4698-b11c-496f20d00df9.pdf |access-date=10 August 2024}}</ref>
** &nbsp;&nbsp;66,770 [[ISDN]] B channels (2012).
⚫
** 212,624 [[PSTN|analog fixed]] lines (2023)
⚫
** &nbsp;&nbsp;29,547 Cellular local loop (CLL) subscriptions (2012).
** &nbsp;&nbsp;52,977 [[Voice over IP]] subscriptions (2012).
** 13,466 [[ISDN]] B channels (2023)
⚫
** 9,372 Cellular local loop (CLL) subscriptions (2023)
⚫
** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2,078 [[Payphones|public phones]]: (2012).
** 237,258 [[Voice over IP]] subscriptions (2023)
* Residential 715,675 fixed lines (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
⚫
** 328 [[Payphones|public phones]]: (2023)
* Business: 136,767 fixed lines (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
* [[Mobile cellular|Total mobile cellular]]: 3.4 million active subscriptions (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
* Residential fixed lines: 336,874 (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
⚫
* Business fixed lines: 135,846 (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
⚫
** 2.8 million [[Prepaid mobile phone|prepaid]] mobile cellular subscriptions (2012).
** 0.6 million [[Postpaid mobile phone|postpaid]] mobile cellular subscriptions (2012).
* [[Mobile cellular|Total mobile cellular]]: 3.75 million active subscriptions (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
⚫
** 2.6 million [[Prepaid mobile phone|prepaid]] mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
⚫
* Mobile cellular penetration:<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
** 70.0% of the population covered by [[3G]] and [[4G]] mobile networks (2012).
** 1.2 million [[Postpaid mobile phone|postpaid]] mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
⚫
* Mobile cellular penetration:<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
⚫
** 99.0% of the population covered by [[GSM]] mobile networks (2012).
** 96.0% of the population covered by [[4G]] mobile networks (2023)
⚫
* [[Short Message Service]]: 1.9 billion SMS messages sent (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
** 97.0% of the population covered by [[3G]] mobile networks (2023)
⚫
* [[Multimedia Messaging Service]]: 4.3 million MMS messages sent (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
⚫
** 100% of the population covered by [[GSM]] mobile networks (2023)
⚫
* [[Short Message Service]]: 295.5 million SMS messages sent (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
⚫
* [[Multimedia Messaging Service]]: 1.3 million MMS messages sent (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
* Service providers:
* Service providers:
** &nbsp;&nbsp;3 national fixed-line operators.{{citation needed |date=January 2014}}
** 10 alternative fixed-line operators (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
** 13 alternative fixed-line operators (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
** &nbsp;&nbsp;3 mobile network operators.{{citation needed |date=January 2014}}
** &nbsp;&nbsp;1 [[mobile virtual network operator]], with 2 new MVNO operators planned during 2013.<ref name="Blicnet pokreće uslugu mobilne telefonije!">{{cite web |title=Blicnet pokreće uslugu mobilne telefonije! |trans-title=Blicnet launches mobile service! |url=http://www.blic.net/latn/?page=66&kat=1&vijest=375 |publisher=Blicnet |language=Bosnian |date=17 May 2013 |accessdate=25 September 2013}}</ref>{{update after|2014|1|30}}


==Internet==
==Internet==


* [[Top level domain]]: [[.ba]]<ref name=CIAWFB-BiH-2014/>
* [[Top level domain]]: [[.ba]]<ref name=CIAWFB-BiH-2014/>
** the ''Univerzitetski tele-informatički centar'' (UTIC, University Tele-Informatics Centre) at the [[University of Sarajevo]] is the .ba domain administrator.<ref name="UTIC - An authorized administrator of the .BA domain name">{{cite web |title=Welcome to the UTIC's web pages |url=http://utic.unsa.ba/Default.aspx?tabid=122 |publisher=University Tele-Informatics Centre (UTIC) |accessdate=19 September 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001132158/http://utic.unsa.ba/Default.aspx?tabid=122 |archivedate=1 October 2013 |df= }}</ref><ref name="About TLD Information">{{cite web |title=NIC.ba Registracija domene |trans-title=NIC.ba Domain Registration |url=http://nic.ba/lat/menu/view/11 |publisher=University Tele-Informatics Centre (UTIC) |accessdate=19 September 2013 |language=Bosnian}} [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=&sl=hr&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnic.ba%2Flat%2Fmenu%2Fview%2F11&sandbox=1 English translation].</ref>
** the ''Univerzitetski tele-informatički centar'' (UTIC, University Tele-Informatics Centre) at the [[University of Sarajevo]] is the .ba domain administrator.<ref name="UTIC - An authorized administrator of the .BA domain name">{{cite web |title=Welcome to the UTIC's web pages |url=http://utic.unsa.ba/Default.aspx?tabid=122 |publisher=University Tele-Informatics Centre (UTIC) |access-date=19 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001132158/http://utic.unsa.ba/Default.aspx?tabid=122 |archive-date=1 October 2013 }}</ref><ref name="About TLD Information">{{cite web |title=NIC.ba Registracija domene |trans-title=NIC.ba Domain Registration |url=http://nic.ba/lat/menu/view/11 |publisher=University Tele-Informatics Centre (UTIC) |access-date=19 September 2013 |language=bs}} [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=&sl=hr&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnic.ba%2Flat%2Fmenu%2Fview%2F11&sandbox=1 English translation].</ref>
* [[Internet users]]: 2.2 million, 57% of the population (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
* Fixed Internet: 907,951 subscriptions (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
** Internet Users: 3,374,094 (95.55% of the population) (2021)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://bljesak.info/sci-tech/internet/stopa-koristenosti-interneta-u-bih-za-2021-godinu-9555/389512 | title=Stopa korištenosti interneta u BiH za 2021. Godinu 95,55% }}</ref>
* Fixed Internet: 551,037 subscriptions (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>
** &nbsp;&nbsp;84,314 [[dial-up]] subscriptions (2012).
** 907,951 [[broadband]] subscriptions (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
** 466,723 [[broadband]] subscriptions (2012).
*** 455,381 [[digital subscriber line]] subscriptions (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
*** 277,295 [[digital subscriber line]] subscriptions (2012).
*** 270,869 [[cable modem]] subscriptions (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
*** 124,750 [[cable modem]] subscriptions (2012).
*** 65,331 [[Wireless Internet service provider|fixed wireless access]] (FWA) subscriptions (2023)
*** &nbsp;&nbsp;62,621 [[Wireless Internet service provider|fixed wireless access]] (FWA) subscriptions. (2012)
*** 2,096 [[leased line]] subscriptions (2023)
*** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1,389 [[leased line]] subscriptions (2012).
*** 114,251 [[fibre to the home]] (FTTH) subscriptions (2023)
*** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;315 [[fibre to the home]] (FTTH) subscriptions (2012).
*** 23 other fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
* [[List of countries by number of Internet hosts|Internet hosts]]: 155,252 hosts, 77th in the world<ref name="CIAWFB-BiH-2014" />
*** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;353 other fixed broadband subscriptions (2012).
* [[List of countries by number of Internet hosts|Internet hosts]]: 155,252 hosts, 77th in the world.<ref name=CIAWFB-BiH-2014/>
* [[Internet service provider]]s (ISPs): 63 (2023)<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelecomIndicators-2023" />
* [[Internet Service Provider]]s: 73 ISPs (2012).<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012"/>


===Internet censorship and surveillance===
===Internet censorship and surveillance===
⚫
There are no government restrictions on access to the Internet or reports that the government monitors [[e-mail]] or Internet [[chat rooms]].<ref name="USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012">[https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204268 "Bosnia and Herzegovina"], ''Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012'', Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, 22 March 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref>


⚫
The Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the organization responsible for self-regulation of online and print media content. In 2012 the Press Council considered 176 complaints alleging inaccurate or libelous reporting by print and online media (103 for print and 73 for online media), accepting 35 as valid and rejecting 19 as unfounded.<ref name="USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012" />
⚫
There are no government restrictions on access to the Internet or reports that the government monitors [[e-mail]] or Internet [[chat rooms]].<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204268 "Bosnia and Herzegovina"], ''Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012'', Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, 22 March 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.</ref>


⚫
The law provides for [[freedom of speech]] and [[freedom of the press|press]]; however, the government does not always respect press freedom in practice. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina law prohibits [[hate speech]]. The Republika Srpska law does not specifically proscribe hate speech, although the law prohibits causing [[ethnic hatred|ethnic, racial, or religious hatred]]. Independent analysts note a continuing tendency of politicians and other leaders to label unwanted criticism as hate speech.<ref name="USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012" />
⚫
The Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the organization responsible for self-regulation of online and print media content. In 2012 the Press Council considered 176 complaints alleging inaccurate or libelous reporting by print and online media (103 for print and 73 for online media), accepting 35 as valid and rejecting 19 as unfounded.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012/>


⚫
The law prohibits arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence, and the government generally respects these prohibitions in practice.<ref name="USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012" />
⚫
The law provides for [[freedom of speech]] and [[freedom of the press|press]]; however, the government does not always respect press freedom in practice. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina law prohibits [[hate speech]]. The Republika Srpska law does not specifically proscribe hate speech, although the law prohibits causing [[ethnic hatred|ethnic, racial, or religious hatred]]. Independent analysts note a continuing tendency of politicians and other leaders to label unwanted criticism as hate speech.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012/>

⚫
The law prohibits arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence, and the government generally respects these prohibitions in practice.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-BiH-2012/>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Media of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
* [[Media of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
⚫
* [[Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (BHRT).
* [[Radio Televizija Republike Srpske|Radio-Television of the Republic of Srpska]] (RTRS), entity level radio and television broadcaster in [[Republika Srpska]]
* [[Radio Televizija Republike Srpske|Radio-Television of the Republic of Srpska]] (RTRS), entity level radio and television broadcaster in [[Republika Srpska]]
* [[Radio-Television of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (RTVFBiH), public radio and television broadcaster.
* [[Radio-Television of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (RTVFBiH), public radio and television broadcaster.
⚫
* [[Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (BHRT).

⚫
==References==


==Public domain material==
* This article incorporates material from websites or documents of the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (''Regulatorna agencija za komunikacije Bosne i Hercegovine'') [http://rak.ba/eng/index.php?uid=1285590878 "2012 editions"].<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012">{{cite book |title=Telecommunications indicators for 2012 |publisher=Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina |url=http://rak.ba/eng/index.php?uid=1285590878 |date=18 April 2013 |accessdate=19 September 2013}}</ref>
* This article incorporates material from websites or documents of the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (''Regulatorna agencija za komunikacije Bosne i Hercegovine'') [http://rak.ba/eng/index.php?uid=1285590878 "2012 editions"].<ref name="CRA-BiH-TelcomIndicators-2012">{{cite book |title=Telecommunications indicators for 2012 |publisher=Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina |url=http://rak.ba/eng/index.php?uid=1285590878 |date=18 April 2013 |access-date=19 September 2013}}</ref>
* {{CIA World Factbook |year=2014}}
* {{CIA World Factbook |year=2014}}
* {{US DOS |year=2012}}
* {{US DOS |year=2012}}

{{reflist}}
⚫
==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Telecommunications in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
{{Commons category|Telecommunications in Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
* [http://www.cra.ba/eng/ Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA) of Bosnia and Herzegovina], web site.
* [http://www.cra.ba/eng/ Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA) of Bosnia and Herzegovina]
* [http://www.nic.ba/ NIC.ba] {{bs icon}}, .ba domain registrar.
* [http://www.nic.ba/ NIC.ba] {{in lang|bs}}, .ba domain registrar


{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}

{{Telecommunications in Europe}}
{{Telecommunications in Europe}}
{{Telecommunications}}
{{Telecommunications}}
Line 108: Line 106:


[[Category:Telecommunications in Bosnia and Herzegovina| ]]
[[Category:Telecommunications in Bosnia and Herzegovina| ]]
[[Category:Telecommunications in Europe|Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
[[Category:Telecommunications by country|Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
[[Category:Internet by country|Bosnia and Herzegovina]]

[[Category:Internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
[[Category:Internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina]]

Latest revision as of 14:52, 10 August 2024

Part of a series on the
Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina
History
People
Languages
Mythology
Cuisine
Festivals
Religion
Art
Literature
Music
Media
Sport
Monuments
Symbols

Telecommunications in Bosnia and Herzegovina include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet.

Radio and television

[edit]
See also: List of radio stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Television in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA) is charged with regulating the country's radio and television media.[2]

During the Bosnian war, most media became propaganda tools of the authorities, armies, and factions. Since then, efforts have been made—with limited success—to develop media which bridge ethnic boundaries.[3]

TV is the chief news source. The most influential broadcasters are the public radio and TV stations operated by the Bosniak-Croat and Serb entities. The Office of the High Representative (OHR), the leading international civilian agency in Bosnia, oversaw the development of national public broadcasting. The OHR worked to create a non-nationalist, civic media.[3]

Sarajevo is home to Al-Jazeera Balkans TV, an offshoot of the Qatar-based pan-Arab news network, broadcasting in Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.[3]

Telephones

[edit]
See also: Telephone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Telecom and radio infrastructure on a rooftop in the city of Pale, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (c. 2012)

The telecommunications sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina is undergoing liberalisation. Up to 2006, there were three licensed fixed telecommunication operators: BH Telecom, based in Sarajevo, covering 51% of the population of BiH and most of the territory of the Federation of BiH; Telekom Srpske, based in Banja Luka, covering 34% of the population of BiH, mainly in the territory of Republica Srpska; and HT Eronet, covering 16% of the population of BiH, mainly in the Federation of BiH. The three companies enjoyed a de facto monopoly over their operating areas, although they have nationwide licenses for domestic and international calls.[4]: 180  New competitors, such as Telemach, have entered the marked since the start of its liberalisation in 2007.[5][6] The numbers of fixed telephony service subscribers were 849,027 in 2001 and 1,022,475 in 2007. Fixed telephony penetration rates increased from 22.35% (2001) to 26.41% (2007).[4]: 189–190 

The mobile telephony sector is highly competitive,[citation needed] as the three main telephone operators compete nationwide with the brands BH Mobile, M:Tel and ERONET.[4]: 182  Mobile networks cover 99% of the population and have a 63.29% penetration rate, with 2,450,425 subscribers in 2007, doubling from 2004.[4]: 192  All three mobile operators operate on 4G+ network.[7]

The TLC operators are still mainly state-owned and there is strong resistance to privatisation, with 90% of BH Telecom and 50.1% of HT Mostar owned by the Federation of BiH. In Republika Srpska, Telekom Srpska was privatised and is now mainly (65%) owned by Telekom Srbija[4]: 186 

The three main TLC operators have strong links to political parties. In 2003, an OHR-mandated audit revealed that BH Telekom, RS Telekom and HT Mostar suffered substantial misure of funds, corruption and mismanagement, with a total loss of USD 57 million in 2002. Pressure for reform was raised by the public revelation of high salaries and financial support to political parties. This led to the sacking of the board of Bosniak-controlled BH Telekom in 2003. [8] Yet, telecom companies continued being used as cash-machines by Bosnian political parties. In 2010, a U.S. cable defined Eronet and HT Mostar as HDZ BiH's "traditional cash cow", noting how "As Federation Minister of Finance in 1999, Covic helped arrange the transfer of Eronet to three private companies owned by HDZ-BiH interests. [Stipe] Prlic, as HT Mostar's General Manager, challenged the privatization in court and won, arguing that the Federation government had not authorized it. Covic has fought Prlic's reappointment ever since."[9][10]

The telecommunications market is regulated by the Communications Regulatory Agency, which also regulates broadcasting and Internet sectors.[6]

Internet

[edit]

Internet censorship and surveillance

[edit]

There are no government restrictions on access to the Internet or reports that the government monitors e-mail or Internet chat rooms.[2]

The Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the organization responsible for self-regulation of online and print media content. In 2012 the Press Council considered 176 complaints alleging inaccurate or libelous reporting by print and online media (103 for print and 73 for online media), accepting 35 as valid and rejecting 19 as unfounded.[2]

The law provides for freedom of speech and press; however, the government does not always respect press freedom in practice. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina law prohibits hate speech. The Republika Srpska law does not specifically proscribe hate speech, although the law prohibits causing ethnic, racial, or religious hatred. Independent analysts note a continuing tendency of politicians and other leaders to label unwanted criticism as hate speech.[2]

The law prohibits arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence, and the government generally respects these prohibitions in practice.[2]

See also

[edit]

Public domain material

[edit]
  • This article incorporates material from websites or documents of the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Regulatorna agencija za komunikacije Bosne i Hercegovine) "2012 editions".[15]
  • Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from The World Factbook (2024 ed.). CIA. (Archived 2014 edition.)
  • Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Department of State.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Communications: Bosnia and Herzegovina", World Factbook, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, 28 January 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Bosnia and Herzegovina", Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, 22 March 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  3. ^ a b c "Bosnia-Hercegovina profile - Media", BBC News, 18 December 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e AGCOM & CRA, 2008, Overview of the Communications Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  5. ^ Communications Regulatory Agency, 2009a, Public Register of Public Broadcasters
  6. ^ a b Tarik Jusić, "Bosnia and Herzegovina", EJC Media Landscapes
  7. ^ "Isprobali smo 4G mrežu u Sarajevu: Brzine i do 230 MBPS".
  8. ^ Nations in Transit, 2004
  9. ^ Wikileaks, SARAJEVO 00000061 001.2 OF 002
  10. ^ Scoop.co.nz
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Telekomunikacijski pokazatelji BiH u 2023. godini (PDF). Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  12. ^ "Welcome to the UTIC's web pages". University Tele-Informatics Centre (UTIC). Archived from the original on 1 October 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2013.
  13. ^ "NIC.ba Registracija domene" [NIC.ba Domain Registration] (in Bosnian). University Tele-Informatics Centre (UTIC). Retrieved 19 September 2013. English translation.
  14. ^ "Stopa korištenosti interneta u BiH za 2021. Godinu 95,55%".
  15. ^ Telecommunications indicators for 2012. Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 18 April 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2013.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Telecommunications in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Telecommunications_in_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina&oldid=1239630883"