The second phase of the RO-NET project is continuing the building of infrastructure to provide broadband internet for people in so-called ‘white areas’ where there is no access to electronic communication networks. Over both project phases, RO-NET covers 783 of the 2268 localities in Romania identified as white areas, with infrastructure for 684 of them being completed in phase two. The localities are spread across the whole country with the exception of Bucharest and the surrounding region.
Broadband access for disadvantaged areas in Romania
- 29 November 2017
RO-NET is helping to close the digital gap between urban and rural areas. It is bringing broadband Internet closer to around 400 000 people in almost 130 000 households, as well as 8500 business and 2800 public institutions.
Development of local access networks is boosting broadband coverage in Romania by 1.9 %, which means that broadband internet is now available for 99.2 % of the country’s population.
The infrastructure developed under the project takes the form of a backhaul network. This comprises the links between the core of a telecommunications network and peripheral sub-networks which boost the supply and use of electronic services in more remote areas. By providing such links, the project is supporting job creation, growth and economic competitiveness in the target localities.
A better-functioning broadband market
Implementation of RO-NET is based on a ‘design-build-operate’ model. Romania’s Ministry of Communications and Information Society owns the infrastructure which is built and managed by the operators selected for each of the seven lots in an open call for tender.
These operators pay a concession fee and are responsible for managing and operating the network for the entire contractual period, as well as for all costs arising from the operations. They also have the right to keep revenue from the network, although a mechanism is in place to prevent them from making excessive profits.
Access to the network for other operators is open and non-discriminatory, allowing them to provide internet services. In this way, the project is contributing to creating the conditions for the proper functioning of the broadband service market.
Promoting fast internet access for all
Thus, the RO-NET implementation model is widening access to both basic broadband and next-generation access networks which further improve broadband speed and quality. This is in line with the aims of the European Commission's Digital Agenda – one of seven pillars of the Europe 2020 strategy which sets growth objectives for the EU to achieve by 2020. A key element in the Digital Agenda is promotion of fast and ultra-fast internet access for everyone.
Following completion of phase one of RO-NET during 2014-15, phase two took place during 2015-16. The budget for the second phase was approximately EUR 66.7 million, with around EUR 45.7 million provided through EU co-financing. The phase-one budget amounted to just over EUR 15 million.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “RO-NET: "Building a national broadband infrastructure in disadvantaged areas, through the use of Structural Funds – phase II” is EUR 66 717 938, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 45 779 730 through the “Competitiveness” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.