The Government of Greece through the Greek Special PPP secretariat has announced that the preferred bidders have been selected for the 3 rural broadband development PPP projects in Greece.

Specifically, the following contractors were selected, by lot:

• Lot 1: OTE Group
• Lot 2: Intrakat, Intracom Holdings, and Hellas on Line
• Lot 3: OTE Group

The projects' goal is the installation and operation of necessary infrastructure for broadband internet access, in order to achieve digital convergence of the most disadvantaged rural areas of Greece with the rest of the country. The projects aim to achieving economic and social development and improving the quality of life of residents in mountainous and island regions of the country.

Broadband is expected to have a positive effect on the creation of new businesses and jobs, while contributing to the improvement of services provided to the population, in areas such as health, education and tourism.

The total budget of the projects amounts to €161 million (US$215 million), which will be funded by EU funds, while the private partners will cover the operational costs. The total duration of the contract is 17 years.