With support from the Recovery Fund, a total of 7,508 optical network internet access points have been established across Latvia as part of the reform implemented by the Ministry of Transport within the project “Development of Broadband or Very High Capacity Network Last-Mile Infrastructure.” As a result, access to fast and reliable internet has been significantly expanded for households, businesses, and public buildings.
The implementation of the reform has now been completed. A total of EUR 15.02 million from the Recovery Fund was invested to develop modern electronic communications infrastructure in Latvia’s regions, promote more equal access to high-speed internet regardless of location, and reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
As part of the project, optical fibre infrastructure was deployed in five regions: Vidzeme, Zemgale, Latgale, the Riga region, and Kurzeme. This infrastructure enables households, businesses, and public buildings to access very high-capacity electronic communications services. It is a key prerequisite for the availability of remote work, digital services, e-commerce, education, healthcare, and other modern solutions throughout Latvia’s regions.
“The development of last-mile infrastructure is one of the most significant digital connectivity projects of recent years. Its implementation has not only achieved but exceeded the original target by 21%, while at the same time strengthening regional competitiveness and expanding opportunities for residents to fully benefit from digital technologies. Today, high-speed internet is as essential an infrastructure service as roads or electricity supply, and its availability is a crucial prerequisite for regional development and access to high-quality services. It also broadens opportunities for remote work and learning, which are important factors in attracting and encouraging people to return to Latvia’s regions,” emphasizes Jurijs Sadovskis, Director of the Communications Department at the Ministry of Transport.
The newly developed digital infrastructure enables end users to subscribe to internet services with a download speed of at least 300 Mbps during peak hours. Such connection speeds allow multiple digital services to be used simultaneously, support high-quality video conferencing, remote work and learning, and facilitate the use of data-intensive solutions in business operations.
Of the total number of access points, 1,269 were built in Vidzeme and 1,269 in Zemgale, 1,257 in Latgale, 1,321 in the Riga region, and 2,392 in Kurzeme. Approximately 98% of these access points are intended for households, while 2% have been provided for businesses and public buildings.
The deployment of the digital infrastructure was carried out by AS Balticom and SIA Ostkom.
