The WiFi4EU Free Wireless Internet Initiative Portal is already active and a European Commission funding competition is due to be launched. In this regard, the Ministry of Transport, Information Technologies and Communications (MTITC) has addressed the 227 Bulgarian municipalities registered so far to check their profiles and documents. The remaining 38 municipalities in Bulgaria can also register for the competition. The application deadline is expected to be short, probably within three days.
The first pilot competition was launched in May but was canceled by the European Commission due to technical problems with the initiative portal. In August, MTITC reviewed the list of registered local authorities in the initiative. It was found that all 227 Bulgarian municipalities that have expressed their willingness to build free, high-speed wireless networks meet the eligibility criteria. The purpose of the check was to facilitate the application process in October.
After submitting their applications, municipalities will receive an email confirmation with details of the time of submission of the application. The ranking will be based on the "first bidder - first received" principle, also taking into account the geographical balance.
The announcement of the results is expected approximately six weeks after the opening of the competition. All participants will receive an email with information about their ranking or presentation. The selected municipalities will be notified that they have to sign a contract. Local administrations then have to choose a company that will install the wireless access points.