Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways

The objective of this call is to support the deployment or upgrade of backbone networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union (including OCTs), as well as between Member States and third countries.

WORKS 

The EU will support the construction of infrastructures addressing the connectivity needs of a region or the Union as a whole, integrating complementary routes that improve redundancy and include state-of-the-art technological solutions. Projects with clear benefits in terms of cost-efficiency and synergy between actors (stakeholders, regions, Member States, etc.) are encouraged. 

This topic focuses on solutions: 

(1) where there is a lack of redundancy on a route. This is typically the case of routes which are not served by at least two present or credibly planned backbone infrastructures.

(2) Where existing or credibly planned backbone infrastructure cannot reliably satisfy the demand, considering the increase in demand and the expected lifetime of existing backbone that would justify such a market failure and the urgency of intervention.

(3) Where the users in the served territories suffer from suboptimal services or prices compared to those offered in more competitive but otherwise comparable areas or routes despite the presence of a backbone infrastructure providing sufficient capacity and guaranteeing the necessary redundancy.  This could be the case for instance if the backbone infrastructure or a substantial part of it is in the hands of an operator which according to a competent national regulatory authority has significant market power in the relevant market.

STUDIES

This call will support studies, which can be desktop studies, marine ground surveys for submarine cables, or application for required permits, that-is-to-say all the preparatory work required prior to infrastructure work.

This preparation should aim at the deployment of backbone con contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union (including OCTs), as well as between Member States and third countries.