Single information point and network deployment

CTU has received new competences in the field of support to deployment of electronic communications networks by entry into force of the Act No. 194/2017 Coll. on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks and on amendments to certain related acts („Act“).

Directive No. 2014/61/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks was transposed into Czech legal order by the Act. The aim of implementation of the directive is to establish minimum rights and obligations applicable across the European Union with the intention to facilitate the deployment of high-speed electronic communications networks and cross-sectoral coordination.

On 18 September, European Commission adopted a Recommendation calling on Member States to boost investments  in very high-capacity  broadband connectivity infrastructure. The aim of the Recommendation was that Member States shall develop a set of best practices for reducing the cost of electronic communications network deployment and for efficient access to 5G networks. The result of the collaboration among Member States is a set of best practices, published by the European Commission as The Connectivity Toolbox.

By 30 April 2021, each Member State should provide the Commission with a roadmap for the implementation of the Connectivity Toolbox. By 30 April 2022, each Member State should report on the implementation of the Connectivity Toolbox. Adopting the toolbox should foster timely deployment of optical fibre and 5G networks.

The Act establishes a Single Information Point. According to Section 3(1) of the Act, the point is CTU, whose main task is to provide information and data necessary for the purpose of high-speed electronic communications networks deployment, i.e. network with minimum speed of 30 Mbps. CTU is also the competent authority for dispute resolution under the Act.

CTU shall collect, record, process, store, publish (in a manner allowing remote access) and provide data specified by the Act.

CTU shall furthermore publish in a manner allowing remote access

  • data concerning the conditions and procedures under the Building Act and data necessary for the deployment of elements of high-speed electronic communications networks,
  • final decisions under this Act,
  • contract templates created by CTU according to Sections 4, 8 and 10,
  • references to information of the obligated persons related to the fulfilment of their obligations according to the Act, which the person shall communicate to CTU

The Act introduces a number of measures (e.g. the right of access to physical infrastructures or the obligation to coordinate certain construction works) to simplify, accelerate and reduce the deployment of high-speed networks and cross-sectoral coordination.

A significant part of costs of high-speed networks deployment can be attributed to inefficiencies in the building permit proceedings. This is also related to the insufficient usage of the existing infrastructure. Therefore, costs can be significantly reduced by the usage of existing ducts, conduits, manholes, cabinets, poles, masts, antenna installations, towers and other supporting constructions, i.e. physical infrastructure.

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