Skopje, 1 December 2025 (MIA) – A free Wi-Fi zone was launched Monday at the Faculty of Philosophy within Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, marking the first location as part of the Ministry of Digital Transformation’s project for free internet.

Internet is available in the faculty’s administrative area, the main hall, and all amphitheaters, with classrooms and offices to follow.

Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski and Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Oliver Bakreski signed a memorandum to outline joint projects, expecting the free internet to make information access easier for students.

Andonovski stated that Ministry of Digital Transformation funds will be used to establish free internet zones at additional locations in student dormitories and at faculties with the highest concentration of academic staff and students.

“I hope that, along with the voucher scheme for student electronic devices, we will bridge the digital gap between students, ensuring equal study opportunities. I trust that the free internet will facilitate learning and improve access to necessary information. The equipment is of high quality, and I do not anticipate operational problems. Coverage will also be extended to other faculty premises,” Andonovski noted.

He said that the free internet at the Faculty of Philosophy marks the start of a larger initiative, supported by two procurements totaling Mden 10 million.

“An analysis showed that the biggest student dormitories in Skopje already have internet with sufficient capacity, so we will direct efforts toward areas without such resources, like Ohrid and Bitola. Equipment is being purchased in line with needs. Providing internet is formally the duty of student dorms, faculties, and universities, but we are here to assist,” Andonovski stated.

Dean Bakreski stated that the new Wi-Fi zone is built on contemporary network technology and will enhance the overall quality of instruction.

“This is particularly significant in a period when we are marking 105 years of the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje, and it provides additional encouragement to both faculty and students. It demonstrates that our institutions have the necessary sensitivity and a clear position that all matters of common interest, especially those tied to the academic community, must be addressed, as they to some extent shape broader conditions. It is a kind of indicator that only such societal transformation can ensure further accumulation of scientific and educational capital,” Bakreski said.

As Andonovski stated, the Ministry of Digital Transformation has so far issued around 40,000 vouchers for the purchase of electronic devices, and more than half of them, 21,000 have already been used. He expects that by the end of the public call on Dec. 20, most students will collect their vouchers and purchase devices by Jan. 1.

Photo: MIA