Better availability of Internet access: Denisa Saková and Richard Raši signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Energy Optics Distributors
On Tuesday, 29th of October 2024, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic and Minister of Economy, Denisa Saková, and the Minister of Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation, Richard Raši, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on so-called Energy Optics with representatives of distribution companies, in the presence of the Chairman of ZMOS, Jozef Božik, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation (MIRRI) of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Ivančin. Energy Optics combines the construction or reconstruction of energy distribution networks with the construction of an electronic communications network based on optics. The initiative is supported by three major distribution system operators (PDS) together with the Slovak Association of Electricity Distributors (SDA).
"The construction of the Energy Optic and the strengthening of the system is a strategic step forward that will not only enable the modernisation of our energy networks, but will also improve the availability and quality of internet connections for the inhabitants of the regions," said Minister of Economy D. Saková after the signing.
"Energooptics can be helpful to both residents and state and local governments. It can cover the requirements for building high-speed communication infrastructure networks in all corners of the country, even where there are so-called white spots that have insufficient or no Internet connection. In general, we can talk about a shift in the field of new generation service management and energy management of municipalities and cities and their connection with the surrounding world," stated Minister of Investments R. Raši.
The aim of the memorandum is to coordinate and support cooperation in the construction and financing of intelligent optical networks, which will be used for the effective management of energy distribution networks and the collection of data from smart meters. This project is of significant benefit to the whole of Slovakia, in particular it will accelerate and streamline the deployment of gigabit networks in areas that are currently underserved.
The memorandum also aims to remove legislative and administrative barriers and find effective mechanisms for obtaining funding from public sources. With this step, the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, together with the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation of the Slovak Republic, aims to ensure the smooth progress and successful implementation of the project.
The signing of the memorandum is the result of several negotiations and meetings between the interested parties. We believe that this cooperation will bring new opportunities for the development of energy and telecommunications networks in Slovakia and thus strengthen the competitiveness of the Slovak economy in the context of digitalisation.
Press department MH SR