Approximately PLN 2.5 billion in EU funding is still available for the construction of high-speed internet infrastructure. The Ministry of Digital Affairs is not ruling out another round of funding for investors, according to Monday's Rzeczpospolita report.
“Rzeczpospolita” asked the Ministry of Digital Affairs about a possible competition for KPO subsidies for the construction of broadband networks. Monika Gembicka from the Ministry of Digital Affairs' communications office said that the ministry “does not rule out such a scenario (another call for proposals – PAP).” “We will announce the details of future calls for proposals at a later date,” Gembicka said.
As the editorial team points out, the ministry is currently collecting data on so-called “white spots”—places without high-speed internet. “By updating the list of 'white spots,' broadband funding will be able to be spent more effectively. The goal of the current consultations is to update the list of 'white spots' in connection with ongoing investments,” Gembicka said.
According to “Rzeczpospolita,” maps of so-called “blank spots” are sometimes outdated or imprecise. Gembicka stated that updating these maps is necessary, as they may be missing new buildings or those where the internet connection was supposed to be installed by someone who withdrew from the project. “And there are many such cancellations. CPPC data prepared at our request indicates that contracts worth close to PLN 1.94 billion have been terminated so far,” Rzeczpospolita reports.
“Currently, after the so-called fourth round of KPO funding, contracts are being signed, and only after its completion will it become clear how many households will still not be covered by the public investment plan. For this reason, CPPC, when asked how much EU funding remained after the competitions, has no clear answer. It states that after four KPO competitions, PLN 2.25 billion remains in the pool (41% of the available PLN 5.4 billion). This amount may decrease once CPPC signs contracts with the beneficiaries of the last competition,” we read. (PAP)
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