Portugal begins fiber optic expansion in connectivity white zones

The expansion of fiber optic networks into Portugal’s “white zones”—areas with low connectivity—has officially commenced. Following contracts signed in July with the telecommunications operator DSTelecom, work is already underway in the territories of two Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR).

Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, noted that while the project aims to provide fiber connectivity to approximately 415,000 buildings in low-density areas, the execution may take up to two years in certain cases. The rollout follows a lengthy procurement process that faced procedural and judicial delays. Some regional works are currently awaiting approval from the Court of Auditors.