SOFIA – Over 350,000 Bulgarians in remote areas will have access to high-speed internet under a program funded by the European Union (EU), the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications announced.
Nearly 240 million euros have been provided, for which interested companies can participate in a procedure until April 11. One of the main goals is the construction of broadband internet networks in areas where there is no market interest for such investments.
Half of the funds are planned to be directed towards remote, rural, and sparsely populated areas. Optical connectivity to 140 municipal centers will be expanded and improved. No less than 700 base stations will be connected to the newly built networks.
Each project proposal should cover one of the six planning regions – Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, South Central, and Southwest. Applicants must provide their own contribution of at least 10% of the project value.
Improvement is expected in the state’s telecommunications network of 7,500 kilometers, which provides connectivity for over 1,200 central and local administrations and other public organizations. (January 10, 2025)
