The European Broadband Competence Offices Network highly appreciated the Bulgarian performance in the WiFi4EU initiative

On February 9, 2021, was held a seminar of the Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network, at which representatives of the National Broadband Competence Office (BCO Bulgaria) were invited to share experience and good practices in promoting the initiative of the European Commission WiFi4EU developed under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to build free high-speed and high-quality wireless internet connection in public areas. Presentation from the event you can find as an attachment.

Bulgaria ranked first by the number of vouchers from all 4 calls held under the initiative, with 91% of the Bulgarian municipalities winning 3 630 000 EUR which ranks the country at the top position with the largest number of already built networks.

The WiFi4EU initiative demonstrates the serious need for high-speed and high-quality connectivity in public areas on the territory of the Bulgarian municipalities. The willingness to participate in the initiative showed the need of local authorities to expand the provision of wireless services to citizens in order to promote the local economy, e-commerce, support for tourism, etc. The country’s achievements are assessed as good practice within the EU and as an example of a possible approach in implementing new similar initiatives.

For the large number of Bulgarian municipalities that received funding under the initiative helped the permanent information, explanatory and logistic support from the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications (MTITC) through the National BCO and the serious engagement of the designated contact point – Mrs. Hristina Dobreva.

On the official website of MTITC was published up-to-date information about each stage of the WiFi4EU initiative, a designated section for questions and answers was established, all needed information about each call was sent to representatives of the municipalities by e-mail as well as through newsletter and personal consultations.

The WiFi4EU initiative was widely popularised in numerous forums, including information day of MTITC, a joint presentation of the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications and the Commissioner for Digital Economy and Digital Society Mariya Gabriel, as well as through a broad media campaign.

For questions about the WiFi4EU initiative, you can contact Mrs. Hristina Dobreva – State Expert in Information Technology Directorate at MTITC and part of BCO Bulgaria team by email: hdobreva@mtitc.government.bg and phone: 02/9409 283.

Broadband Technologies and Applications Department in IT Directorate at Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications continues to perform its functions as National Broadband Competence Office and to assist and advise all stakeholders, including institutions and telecommunication operators involved in the process of implementing investment initiatives in the field of broadband access. For questions, you can contact us by email: EkipEIT@mtitc.government.bg