BCO Network
A Broadband Competence Office (BCO) is a public/publicly-appointed entity that should be able to inform citizens and businesses about broadband developments and deployments in their country/region. BCOs also provide technical support to local and regional authorities regarding the deployment of broadband networks. This includes ways to invest effectively in broadband projects with the support of European regional and agricultural funds (ERDF and EAFRD), in combination with financial instruments where possible, and including information on state aid rules and procedures.
The functions of BCOs include:
- enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of broadband investments
- underpinning the implementation of the Digital Single Market by accelerating public investment in broadband, including through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
- providing advice and assistance to citizens and businesses about broadband deployment, including mapping coverage, quality of service and penetration, future investment plans and more
- supporting the expertise/administrative capacity of public authorities in the planning, implementation and monitoring of broadband projects
- helping in the coordination with relevant EU entities: EIAH, Jaspers, DG REGIO, DG AGRI, DG COMP, DG CNECT; -promoting the use of financial instruments
- supporting the aggregation of demand for high-speed broadband.
- Ministries and authorities in charge of the planning and implementation of Next Generation Access Network strategies
- Municipalities and public bodies (local, regional and national) responsible for the funding and the deployment of broadband
- Project promoters, telecom operators, utilities, user groups and any other entity seeking guidance on the planning and execution of broadband projects using a variety of business and investment models and financing structures
- Citizens, enterprises and other bodies that wish to be informed about broadband developments, national or regional plans for broadband connectivity, and EU support available in their area
Explore the 'Broadband in EU countries' pages, or contact a national BCO using the BCO Network Directory, which is an interactive map at the bottom of the BCO Network homepage.
BCOs are established on a voluntary basis. Member States decide whether and how they wish to establish their BCOs. BCOs may be established at national and regional level, or in a hybrid structure, for example, covering a cluster of regions.
National BCOs have been designated in all 27 EU Member States, and the Network continues to grow at regional level.
Contact the BCO Network Support Facility to enquire about becoming an officially designated BCO.
Contact the BCO Network Support Facility to enquire about joining the BCO Network.
Training and support is available to BCOs via the BCO Network Support Facility, an EU-funded initiative tasked with providing information and organising training and networking activities for BCOs, as part of an annual knowledge-sharing and capacity-building programme. This includes:
- exchanging good practices in running a BCO and in broadband projects
- sharing knowledge and experience between BCOs operating in similar conditions across regions and countries
- organising thematic discussions and training events focusing on the key themes and challenges of broadband development, such as State aid, technology neutrality, blended finance, mapping, and more.
Members of the BCO Network have access to an archive of training materials and news about upcoming events through a dedicated Futurium group, the BCO Network forum.
BCOs who are already members can log in to Futurium and access the BCO Network forum using their EU Login details. BCOs who are not yet members of the forum can contact the BCO Network Support Facility for support in gaining access.
Explore:
- articles and videos on good practices in broadband projects, as well as broadband-related policy and funding videos, and wider topics, such as digital transformation and rural development
- the BCO Network video interview playlist on YouTube, featuring all the above topics and more
- the European Digital Connectivity Awards archive (previously known as the European Broadband Awards)
The BCO Network Support Facility is always on the look-out for projects that demonstrate good practices in:
- planning, funding, deploying and operating broadband projects
- using digital connectivity to improve quality of life and bring greater equity to communities, especially in rural and remote areas
Contact the BCO Network Support Facility to propose your project to be filmed as a good practice.
The BCO Network works closely with the EU CAP Network and the Rural Pact Community, as well as the Smart Village Network, sharing good practices, building connections and fostering collaboration.
Explore their websites to learn more, get involved, and contact their teams.
Related content
The European Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network supports EU countries, as well as Norway and the Western Balkans, in deploying high-speed broadband to reach the Gigabit Society objectives.