An updated National Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Next Generation Access "Connected Bulgaria" and an Updated policy in the field of electronic communications have been adopted

By Decision No 555 and Decision No 556 of the Council of Ministers of 6 August 2020, an updated National Broadband Infrastructure Plan for Next Generation Access "Connected Bulgaria" and an Updated policy in the field of electronic communications of the Republic of Bulgaria were adopted.

The updated plan outlines the steps to provide digital infrastructure for the provision of various services.

The measures envisage improving access to high-speed Internet in less populated regions and developing the high-speed mobile Internet in the country.

Of key importance for the digitisation of the Bulgarian economy and public services will be investments for the introduction of fifth generation mobile networks. The plan sets out the need for targeted investments in technological development, completion of the necessary infrastructure and guaranteed network and information security.

The main priority fields in the plan are:

  1. Broadband infrastructure - accelerated building of broadband infrastructure, incl. for the needs of the state administration;
  2. Very high-speed infrastructure – creating conditions for very high-speed networks’ deployment;
  3. Spectrum efficient use - establishing conditions for building NGA networks;
  4. Improving coverage in settlements located in peripheral, sparsely populated and rural areas;
  5. Bridging the Digital divide;
  6. Network security.

The Updated policy in the field of electronic commuinications aims to ensure the provision of modern and quality electronic communications services by creating conditions for the development of a competitive market as part of the EU internal market. Priority is the deployment and use of very high-capacity networks, the provision of fifth generation services, effective and sustainable competition, the security of networks and services, as well as advantages for end-users, including equivalent access to the services of people with disabilities.

In addition to Decision No 33 of the Council of Ministers of 20 January 2020, the vision, objectives and priorities of National Development Program Bulgaria 2030 were approved as the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (MTITC) as a leading department for priority 7 Transport connectivity and priority 8 Digital connectivity. Priority 8 Digital connectivity aims to build a modern and secure digital infrastructure as a basis for offering more services through digital management.

The National Development Program Bulgaria 2030 was adopted with Protocol No 67 of the Council of Ministers of 2 December 2020. The Program includes detailed strategies on the priorities, incl. Priority 8 Digital Connectivity.

The documents are available in the application. The Updated policy is available only in Bulgarian.