There is an urgent need to accelerate broadband network deployment across Europe. The EU’s connectivity goals require rapid expansion, yet both high costs and slow deployment continue to pose significant challenges.
We will not be ready with gigabit connectivity for all citizens and businesses in the EU, and we also do not have supporting 5G networks, standalone networks, for what the needs will be by 2030
Kamila Kloc, Director of Directorate B, Digital Decade and Connectivity at the European Commission's DG CNECT.
The Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) is an important regulatory strategy addressing these barriers. It introduces comprehensive measures designed to streamline network deployment, by simplifying processes for operators, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and accelerating permit approvals. It will, in particular, shorten permit granting timelines, even allowing an assumed approval if authorities fail to respond within a set period. In addition, the GIA promotes cost-saving measures - including infrastructure sharing, coordination of works, and access to existing ducts and cabling - to reduce the financial strain on individual projects.
Combined with the digitalisation of Member States’ single points of contact, these procedural reforms and cost-reducing measures will expedite the deployment of high-capacity networks and bring EU Member States’ digital infrastructures up to speed. The anticipated impact of the GIA is substantial: it is projected to double the speed of deployment, saving approximately €14.5 billion in deployment costs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 0.7 million tons by 2030.
The GIA will undeniably play a pivotal role in achieving the EU’s connectivity objectives and bringing its benefits to European citizens, businesses and society as a whole. By driving tangible progress in Europe’s digital transformation, the GIA aligns with the EU’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens can thrive in a digitally advanced society.
This video was filmed as part of the European Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network’s work to raise awareness of EU support for high-speed broadband deployment and share good practices in broadband projects. Discover more interviews in the BCO Network YouTube playlist and more broadband good practices, news and resources in the BCO Network Library.
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The European Broadband Competence Offices Network Support Facility