Summary sheet
The project is a new allocation under the framework loan "Breitband Niedersachsen" (2014-0404). It concerns the roll-out of a passive optical fibre access network (Fibre-To-The-Building or FTTB). By 2022, the network will provide advanced broadband services up to 1 Gbps to about 14 000 households and businesses located today in uncovered white spots.
The project contributes to the goal of the Gigabit society to provide access to all rural households to Internet connectivity, offering a bandwidth of at least 100 Mbps, upgradable to Gigabit by 2025. Furthermore, it supports the objective of the Electronic Communication Code to promote connectivity and access to, and take-up of, very high capacity networks, by all citizens and businesses.
Investments in fixed telecommunications projects (mainly civil works for fibre roll-out) do not fall under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU amended by 2014/52/EU. The related works have limited environmental effects, apart from disturbances during the construction phase, which can be mitigated by appropriate measures.
The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project are tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directives 2014/23/EC and/or 2014/24/EC, where applicable as well as Directive 92/13/EEC) as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.