Bridging the digital divide: two success stories of broadband deployment in rural areas

In this online session, taking place at 11:00 – 12:30 CET, two of the nominated projects for the European Digital Connectivity Awards 2025 will be presented and their representatives will share the insights and lessons learned from the projects implementation. Paolo Perucci, from the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, will join us to represent the ERMES (Excellent Region in a Multimedia European Society) project. He will then be accompanied by Pedro Abad and Manuel Garnelo, from Asteo Red Neutra, who will talk about their experiences and key takeaways from the FTTH Gigabit Access Network Deployment in ultra-rural areas in Castilla Y León project. To find out more about the projects, watch the dedicated interviews.

This session will shed light on two standout success stories that prove the ambitious fibre rollout in remote and rural areas is possible and impactful not only from a technological point of view but most and foremost from a social perspective. By diving into innovative strategies, hands-on solutions, and collaborative models, participants will be guided through a series of practical lessons, and replicable key takeaways.

This webinar is a valuable opportunity to hear from people who have turned challenges into positive change, paving the way for more inclusive and digitally empowered rural communities across Europe.

Agenda