The document was prepared by the State Agency for Information Technology and Communications (DAITS) with the participation of telecommunications companies and operators, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
The objective of the National Programme is to ensure that, by 2015, all Bulgarians gain the opportunity to enjoy reliable and high quality broadband access.
The National Statistical Institute reported that, in 2007, 19 % of households in the country had Internet access, and 80 % of these enjoyed a broadband access. According to the estimates of Business Monitor International, the penetration rate of the Internet in Bulgaria will reach 44.9 % in 2010 (a 31 % increase) while the spread of broadband services will increase three times by that year.
The roadmap agreed for the development of broadband coverage includes: the preparation of an analysis for the availability of broadband access in the regions (taking into account macro-economic and demographic elements); the formulation of recommendations for the use of technology by region; the preparation of guidelines for the establishment of public-private partnerships; new recommendations to ensure the funding of broadband access projects and their procurement; and the launch of a system for monitoring and publishing the results of the projects’ implementation.
Particular attention will be paid to the regulatory framework which should guarantee the rapid development of an efficient and competitive market, as well as technological neutrality, simplified authorisation procedures and transparency.
Apart from the State Budget, the possible funding sources of the broadband access projects will be, among others: the EU Structural Funds; the Seventh R&D Framework Programme (2007-2013); the South East Europe Transnational Cooperation Programme (2007-2013); the Safer Internet Plus Programme; and the Programme for the Interoperable Delivery of European eGovernment Services to public Administrations, Businesses and Citizens (IDABC Programme).
