Ericsson Nikola Tesla d d : Cooperation for the development of broadband access in rural areas of Croatia

Rural Network Project (RUNE) is the first and currently the only international project at the European level which connects the territory of several member countries by a unique cross-border optical network. With the construction of the network in rural areas which are currently not covered by optical infrastructure and where the existing Internet service providers have no commercial interest, RUNE will help local authorities to achieve the goals of Digital Agenda for Europe 2020. Moreover, this will contribute to the liberalization of the electronic communication service market. In the end, this guarantees all operators an equal approach to end users under equal conditions. This project is financed by Connecting Europe Broadband Fund (CEBF), as the first investment platform for the support of broadband infrastructure within the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI).

Goran Ožbolt, Director of Sales and Marketing for Alternative Operators, Ericsson Nikola Tesla, expressed his satisfaction with the contract: 'This project has outstanding importance for expanding the broadband access in rural areas as a foundation for their development since there is a clear correlation between access to broadband infrastructure and GDP growth. Selecting Ericsson Nikola Tesla as a partner in the realization of this unique pioneering project represents not only a great acknowledgment for us, but also an obligation to justify the given trust by a proactive approach, service quality and professionalism.'

Goran Živec, the founder of RUNE project, said: 'A great task lies ahead of us and therefore we choose the best partners for its realization. I would like to thank all local communities and other shareholders who placed their trust in us to implement the broadband optical network in rural areas in Istria County and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County using an alternative approach.'

Saša Ukić, member of the RUNE Crow Management Board, said: 'I would like to highlight the importance of the beginning of investment in building broadband infrastructure by the FTTH model in rural areas. Cooperation with Ericsson Nikola Tesla on the RUNE project provides additional confirmation of seriousness as well as assurance that the important part of the work will be in the hands of those who will contribute to the successful implementation of the project with their experience and knowledge. I am excited that through cooperation with experts from Ericsson Nikola Tesla we will gain new and invaluable experience which will help us in other similar projects.'

Ericsson Nikola Tesla Communications