ARF - Broadband Austria 2020
Promotion of the expansion of symmetrical gigabit-capable communication infrastructure in underserved regions of Austria within the framework of the Broadband Strategy 2030.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for the expansion of symmetrical gigabit-capable communication infrastructure in areas with market failure, in order to provide nationwide gigabit access by the end of 2030.
Eligible expenses
- Investment costs for fiber optic connection
- Construction of empty conduit infrastructure
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Proof of market failure in the funding area
- Telecommunications infrastructure operators
- Compliance with the EU State Aid framework
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Cost and financing plan
- Technical network plans
Evaluation criteria
- Expansion in market failure areas
- Long-term sustainability of the infrastructure
- Technical feasibility
- Cost efficiency
Description
The funding program ARF – Broadband Austria 2020 supports the nationwide expansion of symmetrical gigabit-capable communication infrastructure in underserved regions of Austria within the framework of the Broadband Strategy 2030. Investment costs for fiber optic connections as well as the construction of duct infrastructure are funded to realize high-performance gigabit access throughout Austria by the end of 2030. The nationwide open, ongoing funding initiative targets telecommunications infrastructure operators, municipalities, and project sponsors and requires proven market failure in the respective area. The funds are provided as non-repayable grants in accordance with the EU State Aid Framework and are financed from national resources as well as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).
Applications must include a detailed project description, a cost and financing plan, and technical network plans. Selection is based on the following evaluation criteria: expansion in market failure areas, long-term sustainability of the infrastructure, technical feasibility, and cost efficiency. Companies and public institutions may submit their documents at any time within the framework of the tender guidelines. Processing, monitoring, and disbursement are carried out by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport (BMWKMS). The program makes a decisive contribution to reducing digital inequalities and creates a future-proof foundation for all areas of the digital economy and society.
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