Digital connectivity in Romania

Summary of digital connectivity development in Romania

The reference framework in the field of broadband network development in Romania supports the Gigabit Society 2025 as well as Digital Decade 2030 targets. The National Strategy for the Implementation of 5G was adopted in 2019 and set strategic objectives for 5G rollout.

National digital connectivity plan and policy

Responsible authorities

• Romania’s digital connectivity policy is implemented by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation (Ministerul Cercetării, Inovării și Digitalizării).
• The role of the Authority for the Digitisation of Romania (Autoritatea pentru Digitalizarea României) is to achieve and coordinate the implementation of public strategies and policies in the field of digital transformation and the information society.
• The National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (Autoritatea Naţională pentru Administrare şi Reglementare în Comunicaţii, ANCOM) is responsible for regulatory measures.

Main aims and measures for digital connectivity development

In July 2023, the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization (MCID) announced the reference framework in the field of broadband network development in Romania - a new policy in the field of digital connectivity communications. The policy ensures a general strategic approach for different interventions and financing tools for the development of networks, and identifies support measures encouraging the adoption of digital connectivity services, an essential pre-condition for the eGovernment. The policy commits to the Gigabit Society 2025 and Digital Decade 2030 targets and lays out an analysis of public intervention options, measures increasing the demand and promotion of use of very high capacity networks. An action plan will support the implementation and sets the following four objectives:

1. Updating, simplifying, and increasing the degree of application of the legal framework necessary to the development and operation of digital connectivity infrastructures and services
2. Accelerating and coordinating digital connectivity infrastructure development projects
3. Improving the competitive conditions on the digital connectivity market
4. Increasing the degree of digital literacy in rural areas

A set of measures is formulated under each objective. The measures are to be implemented by 2026.

The second objective mentioned above (accelerating and coordinating digital connectivity infrastructure development projects) will be tackled by establishing regional bodies for approval of digital connectivity projects, launching regional consultative structures to support operators in public procurement, increasing the administrative capacity of institutions in managing digital connectivity projects, a centralised system for monitoring investment works. A construction of the electronic communications infrastructure for 945 localities in the white and grey areas is also to be implemented. Approximately 945 localities will be covered by circa 4,000 km of optical fibre is planned to be roll-out out with a total cost of EUR 94 million.

The National Strategy for the Implementation of 5G has been adopted in 2019. It sets four strategic objectives: rapid launch of 5G services, frontloading 5G benefits by 5G services coverage, reducing barriers for deployment of 5G networks and promoting new uses and stimulating cooperation. The strategy envisaged the organisation of the spectrum multiband auction in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2600 MHz and 3400-3600 MHz bands. By 2025, 5G coverage should be available in all urban areas, on the main highways, express roads and railways, in international airports and ports, and in 10 industrial parks.

National and regional digital connectivity financial instruments

Romania’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) contributes with EUR 5.97 billion (i.e. 20.5% of total) to the digital transformation. Of this, EUR 4.98 billion is estimated to contribute to the Digital Decade targets. Component 7, with commitment of EUR 1.81 billion, focuses on the digital transformation of the public sector, cybersecurity and connectivity. Reforms such as the 5G security law, the 5G auction and the adoption of the government cloud and interoperability laws are included.

Data on digital connectivity development and technologies in Romania

For the latest data on digital connectivity coverage, subscriptions and penetrations, coverage of different digital connectivity technologies check the country reports of the Digital Economy & Society Index (DESI).

Spectrum assignments for wireless digital connectivity

For details on harmonised spectrum assignments, please consult the European 5G Observatory report.

National and EU publications and press documents

English

• Broadband Investment Handbook
• Mobile and Fixed Broadband Prices in Europe 2022
• Study on National Broadband Plans in the EU27
• Broadband Connectivity Reports and Analyses

Romanian

• Stabilirea cadrului de referință în domeniul dezvoltării rețelei de bandă largă în România
• Strategia 5G pentru România

Contact information

BCO Romania (national Broadband Competence Office): Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization

Address (Main Headquarters): D. I. Mendeleev 21-25, district 1, Bucharest, 010362, Romania
Contact via email
Minister's Office Phone: +40 21 319 23 26
Website

Address (Electronic Communications Directorate Headquarters): 14th Libertatii Av., district 5, Bucharest, 050706, Romania 
Contact via email 
Website