Georgia approves broadband development strategy 2020-2025

As part of Georgia’s programme on Broadband Infrastructure Development, the strategy for the development of broadband networks 2020-2025 was approved by the government on 9 January.

According to Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, the strategy aims not only at creating infrastructure, but also establishing Georgia as a digital and information hub in the region.

According to the minister, target indicators include to provide most of the population with high-speed, high-quality internet access by 2025. The strategy also aims at upgrading knowledge and skills, leading to employment growth.

Broadband development is one of the key priorities of the European Union’s EU4Digital Initiative, and is one of the five pillars of the EU4Digital Telecom network (EaPeReg). In addition, through the EU4Digital broadband project implemented by the World Bank, the EU supports the roll-out of broadband strategies in all 6 EaP countries.

Accelerating broadband deployment in the EaP region is of vital importance, not just in terms of its potential to boost GDP growth (estimated at between €2.9 billion and €4.3 billion for the EaP region, for fixed broadband alone), but also for providing the essential connectivity for the deployment of eServices for businesses and citizens.

Press release