The European Commission has launched the 2019 edition of the Broadband awards. This broadband competition across Europe aims at showcasing projects improving high-speed network, highlighting good practices and facilitating the exchange of digital expertise. Winners will be announced in December 2019 and promoted by the European Commission across Europe during events and conferences.
Who can apply?
The broadband awards are targeting a wide range of organisations, including the variety of actors involved in speeding up their territory’s connectivity. Regions, as well as municipalities or community led projects, can for instance participate to the competition. All types of projects, regardless of size, location, or technologies and whether they are led by public or private organisations are encouraged to apply.
The only requirement relies in the project’s level of development: at least 65% of the project’s activities must be implemented when submitting the application.
How to apply?
Applications are to be sent by email with the filled application form. An applicant’s guide and more explanations can be found here.
Applicants are invited to select one of the following specific categories when submitting their project. Euromontana members in particular could participate under the third category, to promote initiatives developed in mountain rural territories contributing to the reduction of the gap with urban areas.
1. Innovative models of financing, business and investment.
2. Cost reduction measures and co-investment.
3. Socio-economic impact in rural and remote areas.
4. Demand generation and take-up of connectivity.
5. Quality and affordability of services.
Different criteria will be considered while assessing candidates including the effectiveness and innovation of financing, business and investment models. The quality and affordability of services for end users, as well as the scalability and resilience of infrastructures will also be assessed. Directly related to the awards’ third category, one of the criteria will be direct and indirect socio-economic impacts on rural and remote areas, on sustainable territorial development, competitiveness and better connectivity of territories.
Socio-economic effects of digital projects in mountain rural areas are to be highlighted as these initiatives have a great potential in revitalising such territories. Providing high-speed connectivity in mountain rural or remote areas increases the attractiveness of villages. Broadband is therefore paramount for those territories to attract more citizens, entrepreneurs and to deliver better services to local communities.
The application deadline is September 6, 2019. You can find relevant information on the application process on the Broadband awards website as well as results of the 2018 edition of the awards here.
6 May 2019
