In this video interview, Mr. Priit Soom, Head of the Estonian Broadband Development Foundation, explains that although the need in rural areas is clear, telecom operators do not always feel it is economically feasible for them to invest. To respond to the demand and find a solution for Estonian broadband networks in rural areas, a group was created under the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL).
Their solution, EstWin, is a passive, middle mile network: it does not employ electricity-consuming devices, and requires operators to deliver the end-user connection. Using micro-duct technology, this 6500 km fibre optic network rents fibre pairs to internet service providers.
For more information, visit the project’s website and read more in the European Commission database of broadband good practices.
This video is part of a series of interviews on broadband roll-out in Europe, produced for the European Network of Broadband Competence Offices (BCO Network).
Find out more
- European Commission vision and policy relating to broadband
- EU funding for broadband
- Technical assistance for broadband
- The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
- European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) country information for Estonia
- The European Network for Rural Development (ENRD)
- The European Network of Broadband Competence Offices, through which Member States and regions exchange good practices and build their capacity to bring high-speed broadband to all citizens, with a particular focus on rural and remote areas
- Video series on broadband in the EU: interviews on good practices in broadband projects, EU funding and policy, and more
- The European Broadband Awards
Video:
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