350,000 Bulgarians gain access to high-speed internet under EU plan

On January 10, 2025, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing internet access for Bulgarians residing in remote areas. The European Union has allocated nearly 240 million euros to this program, which is part of Bulgaria's national economic recovery plan. The initiative primarily targets locations where there is minimal market interest for broadband investments. A substantial portion of the total funding will be directed towards rural and sparsely populated regions, signifying a commitment to digital inclusion. The program includes plans to expand and enhance optical connectivity to 140 municipal centers across Bulgaria. With more than 700 base stations expected to be connected to the new broadband networks, the project sets a goal to cover all six planning regions of the country: Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, South Central, and Southwest. To qualify, each project proposal must have a minimum 10% applicant contribution towards the project value, fostering a degree of local investment and engagement in the process. Crucially, the implementation of this program will result in an upgraded telecommunications network extending over 7,500 kilometers. This upgrade will significantly improve connectivity for over 1,200 central and local administrations, as well as other public organizations. The initiative promises to bridge the digital divide, allowing the connectivity of these institutions to improve public service delivery and enhance overall community engagement. The push towards improved internet access is particularly important in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where comprehensive connectivity is essential for economic development, education, and public service efficiency. The decision to initiate this program echoes broader EU goals of solidarity and advancement, ensuring that even the most remote areas of Bulgaria are not left behind in the digital transformation. This move is expected to have a profound impact on the quality of life and economic opportunities available to rural citizens, who often face isolation from essential services.