Wedoany.com Report-Jun 19, The Czech Republic, in collaboration with mobile network operators, has launched a strategy to expand fifth-generation (5G) mobile network coverage to all populated areas. A key step in this initiative was the signing of an infrastructure sharing agreement between the country’s three largest operators: O2, T-Mobile, and Vodafone. This agreement initiates a five-year project to extend 5G coverage to 600 basic residential units (BSUs), primarily located in sparsely populated or border regions, known as "white spots," where traditional commercial investment is not economically viable without joint efforts.

Under this project, operators can select locations from a list of 1,610 BSUs compiled and regularly updated by the Czech Telecommunications Office (ČTÚ). Each operator is required to independently construct infrastructure in 200 BSUs by 2030. In addition, they will share infrastructure in 300 further locations, improving service in a total of 500 areas per operator. As a result, at least one operator will provide quality mobile signal to each of the 600 designated BSUs.

The plan is supported by amendments to the Electronic Communications Act (ZEK), which will come into effect on July 1, 2025. These changes simplify and accelerate the construction of mobile transmitters. Among the key updates: the requirement to assess the visual impact on the landscape for towers up to 50 meters has been removed, potentially reducing construction time by 6 to 12 months. The obligation to apply for the release of land from forest and agricultural land reserves is also eliminated, cutting about one month from the process. In addition, white spot transmitter projects are exempt from municipal spatial planning regulations, due to their role in the Integrated Rescue System.

From 2026, the number of authorities responsible for approving digital infrastructure construction will be reduced from 630 to around 200, further shortening the permitting process by up to a year.

Lukáš Vlček, Minister of Industry and Trade, stated: “Sufficient internet coverage has a direct impact on the quality of life, availability of services and competitiveness of regions. Covering white spots is a long-term process that requires investment and intensive cooperation between the state and private entities.”

Marek Ebert, Chairman of the CTU, added: “I am pleased that, as of July 1, 2025, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, we have succeeded in simplifying the legislation, which will allow operators to obtain all necessary permits for the construction of new transmitters more quickly.”

Jiří Grund, President of the Association of Mobile Network Operators (APMS), noted: “Active cooperation between the state and operators is key to fulfilling the strategic goals of the Czech Republic in the area of building digital infrastructure. I greatly appreciate the professional dialogue that we have managed to establish with the state.”