en.Wedoany.com Reported - Portugal's five Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR) have signed a contract with telecom operator DSTelecom to install fiber optic networks in the country's "white areas" (regions lacking high-speed communication networks), covering all residential and non-residential buildings, including those used for industrial, commercial, and agricultural activities. The contract was signed on July 3, with DSTelecom emerging as the winning operator in the international tender for the network installation.
Portugal's National Communications Authority (ANACOM) completed the identification of "white areas" in 2022. Despite EU financial support, the network installation process has progressed slowly, with three public consultations held during the period (two in 2022 and one in 2023). The procedure was originally scheduled to launch in 2022, but negotiations with the European Commission delayed the process until 2023, followed by issues such as the resignation of the evaluation panel and legal challenges to the tender in court. According to reports, the challenge remains unresolved but does not have suspensive effect.
With the signing of the agreement, a new step has been taken in the work to bring fiber optic access to 288 municipalities and 1,967 locations. The project investment amounts to €172.3 million (after readjustment), down from an initial estimate of €425 million. Public funding totals approximately €30 million, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER, Portugal 2030) and domestic public expenditure from the 5G auction. DSTelecom will be responsible for installing, managing, operating, and maintaining ultra-high-speed electronic communication networks in five designated regions: Norte, Centro, Alentejo, Algarve, and Lisbon, committing to provide fiber optic access to approximately 500,000 households that currently lack this technology. The ANACOM map indicates the coverage areas.
The Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion stated at the signing ceremony in Carrazeda de Ansiães that this move represents a decisive step, making the potential of 5G and even 6G more than just a slogan. DSTelecom stated that the project reflects a commitment to territorial cohesion, connectivity equality, and building a more connected and competitive country. Currently, the operator's network covers 1 million households across 154 cities. The company may soon undergo a change in shareholders, with reports indicating that fund Cube Infrastructure is exiting DSTelecom's capital, and French investment fund manager Vauban Infrastructure Partners and Fastfiber may appear on the list of interested parties.
