Digital transformation and transition in a European context is now becoming a backbone strategy for all member states; it’s a line of action that tops the list of objectives for the Union in both the short and medium term. And it’s more necessary than ever to undertake this task today, given economic development – closely linked to technology – is becoming all the more important to lead an effective reconstruction effort following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spain has firmly committed to reaching high levels of connectivity excellence as soon as possible, attempting to further consolidate and expand its national fibre optic network.

In fact, Spain’s 2025 Digital Agenda encompasses some fifty specific measures around a series of strategic development axes that take these and other objectives into account. Among them are the development of 5G, strengthening digital skills and business digitalisation, the digital transition within public administration, reinforcing cybersecurity and the shift towards productive change supported by the ‘data economy’, artificial intelligence and Big Data in just a few years.

Leaders in implementing fibre optic at European level

To achieve these ambitious but necessary targets, the country has launched its New Generation Broadband Extension Programme (PEBA-NGA). The initiative is a fundamental part of turning Spain into the country with the most extensive fibre optic network in Europe, despite the difficulties posed by orography and the geographic dispersion of the country’s population.

According to data from the European Commission, fibre optic coverage to the home (FTTH) reaches 80.4% of the Spanish population, compared to the European average of 34%. In rural areas, the coverage differential in Spain’s favour is equally relevant: on average, just 21% of European households have FTTH, compared to 46% in Spain.

In the 2013-2019 period, the programme granted aid to 130 operators to carry out 753 projects, with an associated investment of €871.4 million and support worth €478.9 million. More than half that amount was granted in 2018 and 2019 alone.

Connectivity through fibre optic for 93% of the population

Recently, the Spanish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation published a provisional resolution based on the announcement relating to PEBA-NGA plans for 2020, through which 653,157 households and businesses without access to this technology to date will benefit from coverage. The programme, managed by the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

After evaluating all 108 proposals they received, grants for 33 of the projects – focussing on 33 of the 45 initially targeted provinces – have been earmarked. Work is already underway on a further partial announcement to develop broadband extension projects in the provinces where no proposals have been submitted that meet the standards required.

Projects approved among various operators represent a total investment of €186 million, with support amounting to some €105.77 million. This initiative will bring fibre optic to 93% of the nation, establishing a leading and very solid national fibre optic network in Spain, when compared to their analogue partners throughout the rest of the Union.

Better connectivity means better and faster economic development

A country willing to accelerate the digitalisation of its production models through digital transformation driving projects in strategic economic sectors, such as agri-food, mobility, health and tourism, even trade and energy, is destined to overcome any potential obstacles in an uncertain economic future, such as the one we currently face.

At lyntia, we want to play our part in this hugely important task, as it is essential for the well-being and development of the entire population, as well as its productive fabric. Thanks to our position as a neutral operator, we support the leading companies in their respective sectors in carrying out an efficient digital transition with secure, solid and highly competitive connectivity thanks to fibre optic infrastructure that is adapted to the needs of the present day, but also prepared for the challenges of the near future.