The OpenNet funding program under Broadband Austria 2030 aims to significantly improve broadband availability in those areas of Austria that are not, or only insufficiently, developed through private-sector expansion due to market failure. The subsidised deployment of open access networks - based on a flexible and open network architecture and taking into account all possible open network business models - is intended to stimulate the wholesale market and ensure service competition in the end-user market. Even in areas affected by market failure, a wide range of innovative services should be made available.
Good to know
Funding rate: Up to 50% of eligible project costs; in case of full-area coverage up to 65% of eligible project costs . At least 25% of eligible costs must be financed as the applicant's own contributions. If the applicant's own contributions are financed via third-party funds through an investment platform, at least 30% must consist of private investment.
Target group: Municipalities and natural or legal persons outside the federal administration (including municipal associations) with an establishment in Austria no later than at the time the funding agreement is concluded. The applicant must not be active in a retail market for electronic communications services.
Funding area: The project deployment area must be located within a single federal province. Eligible areas include parts of Austria where a) download speeds of less than 30 Mbps are available (white areas), and b) only one access network provides at least 30 Mbps but less than 100 Mbps download speed (eligible grey areas).
Consortium: A consortium of multiple applicants jointly providing services within the framework of a project (consortium project) is permitted.
Maximum duration: Up to 36 months; for large-scale projects (eligible project costs > EUR 10 million) up to 60 months.
Contact
BMWKMS broadband office
[email protected]
breitbandbuero.gv.at