Law on Electronic Communications
Regulates telephone and internet networks and services, market rules and end-user rights. It matters when choosing a service, disputing a bill, changing providers or protecting communications privacy.
Avangarda does not provide legal representation. These materials are here to inform and to make rights easier to understand. For a concrete legal procedure, contact a lawyer, legal aid service or the relevant institution.
Electronic communications / user rights / privacy
The Law on Electronic Communications governs the networks and services used for telephone calls, internet access and other electronic communications. It covers operators’ activities, market obligations, radio spectrum and numbering, end-user rights and specified security and privacy measures. Universal service has a defined legal scope; it does not promise unlimited free access to every available service.
The principal regulator is the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services, RATEL. Its responsibilities differ from those of REM, which regulates electronic media services. The ministry performs the functions assigned by the law, while each operator is responsible for its networks, service conditions and dealings with users. Obligations depend on the service and the participant’s position in the market.
Users can consult the law when checking information supplied before signing, contractual terms, service quality, bills, switching providers and complaint handling. Keep the contract, applicable price list, change notices, disputed bills and correspondence. Check the relevant complaint procedure with the operator first, then the possibility of resolving the dispute before RATEL. Deadlines and available remedies depend on the particular issue; approaching the regulator does not replace every other available procedure.
A right to terminate, switch or seek compensation does not mean that contractual obligations can always be disregarded. Communications confidentiality and personal-data processing also involve separate data-protection rules. Programme content, copyright and purchases of goods online are governed by other legislation.
The current basic law was published in Official Gazette RS 35/2023 and entered into force on 7 May 2023, according to RATEL. It replaced the earlier law subject to express transitional exceptions and rules for pending procedures. Consult the closing provisions, current implementing regulations and the official Legal Information System text for the circumstances concerned.
This is Avangarda’s editorial information overview, rather than the statutory text or advice for an individual case. This translation is editorial and is not an official translation of Serbian legislation. Check the current official text, special legislation and your documents for a specific situation, and obtain qualified legal assistance where needed.
What is this for?
Explains telephone and internet contracts, quality, billing, switching and procedures for protecting users.
Who can use it?
End users and electronic communications operators; rights and regulatory obligations depend on the service and each participant’s legal position.
When should it be used?
When arranging or changing telephone or internet service, disputing a bill, experiencing an interruption or complaining to an operator.