The roll-out of 5G connection is among the top priorities with regard to continuing development in Lithuania and the entire EU. High quality internet connection is paramount to increasing corporate competitiveness and social engagement of the population.
“In view of the current trends, 5G connection is considered key to the future communication. Its development will create an environment conducive to innovation and new technology, will allow testing and using self-driving cars and implementing intellectual transport systems. It will improve vehicle safety and facilitate vehicle sharing as well as improve access to everyone. For these technologies to thrive, it is necessary to ensure interruption-free 5G connection,” Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė commented.
In order to clarify the present situation and options available, PI Plačiajuostis internetas performed an extensive 5G connection development study at the initiative of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Examination of the current infrastructure of transmission towers and fibre loops showed that in order to ensure reliable 5G connection on Via Baltica and Rail Baltica roads, it is necessary to build 80 transmission towers and 330 km of fibre loops to connect them.
Successful implementation of this project requires strong cooperation; thus, a joint consortium of stakeholders is to be formed in order to submit an application for funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The European Commission is ready to allocate some funds to 5G infrastructure implementation projects and is to announce calls for proposals for CEF funding. The main call for proposals is planned to take place early next year.
In October 2021, the stakeholders signed a Memorandum on strategic actions regarding the development of 5G across Lithuania. The Ministry of Transport and Communications, Communications Regulatory Authority, mobile communication service providers Telia Lietuva, Bitė Lietuva and Tele2, PI Plačiajuostis internetas SE Lithuanian Road Administration, LTG Infra AB, Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania and Lithuanian municipalities joining the Memorandum committed to cooperate on the roll-out of 5G connection in the territory of Lithuania.
One of the objectives stated in the Memorandum is to ensure uninterrupted 5G connection services in international land transport corridors Via Baltica and Rail Baltica by 2025. The goal is to make 5G accessible on international roads not later than by 31 December 2025.
