Additional information following the online discussion on Digital Connectivity under the Recovery and Resilience Plan

The new Recovery and Resilience Facility will provide large-scale financial support for Member States' reforms and investments to mitigate the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to make EU economies more sustainable, resilient to shocks and better prepared for the challenges of environmental and digital transition.

A Draft Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria has been published on the Public Consultation Portal (http://www.strategy.bg/PublicConsultations/View.aspx?lang=bg-BG&Id=5572). The document groups a set of measures and reforms that will make a significant contribution to restoring the potential  for economic growth and to develop it, ensuring resilience to negative external impacts. The Plan lays the foundations for a green and digital transformation of the economy in the context of the ambitious goals of the Green Deal.

The Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (MTITC), together with the State e-Government Agency (SeGA) and after extensive consultations, is involved with the project proposal “Large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure” in the field of  Digital Connectivity under Pillar 3:Connected Bulgaria from the Plan. The main objective of the project is to build symmetric gigabit access networks throughout the country. The sustainable optical network, combined with a universally accessible mobile network, will allow every citizen, every business and every public institution to use the opportunities for digitalization on equal terms throughout the country. The main road network will be covered by secure broadband mobile connectivity to ensure high-speed coverage for the main roads included in the TEN-T network – Trakia, Hemus, Struma, as well as the connection to Romania and Turkey. The envisaged activities include the provision of high-speed mobile connectivity along key transport corridors; improving coverage in settlements, with a focus on peripheral, sparsely populated and rural areas; development of the state support network by building optical connectivity to municipalities and increasing its transmission capacity; “green” connectivity and stimulating consumption. The total planned resource is BGN 805.9 million with an implementation period of 2021-2025.

In connection with the above, we present to your attention the presentations from the online discussion (in Application) and we would  also like to ask you if you are interested to provide opinions, comments and suggestions on the following issues to e-mail address: EkipEIT@mtitc.government.bg:

  • Do you consider the project proposal to be adequate in terms of purpose and technological development?
  • In your opinion, will the proposal have a significant impact on overcoming the digital divide in the country?
  • How would you determine your intentions to deploy fiber infrastructure and 5G connectivity throughout the country? Which regions are of market interest for you?
  • Are you planning to deploy 5G connectivity along the transport corridors part of the European TEN-T network? 
  • Do you have continuous optical connectivity along the TEN-T corridors?
  • Which direction do you think is most important for the future development of the regions?
  • Do you have any suggestions for additional activities (directions) or adjustments to those already set?
Attachment Size
MTITC Presentation 1.35 MB
SeGA Presentation 930.44 KB