Faster internet on the way with new legislation

The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance, led by Dimitris Papastergiou, presented new legislation to improve citizens’ daily lives with faster and more reliable internet, while reducing bureaucracy. The initiative implements the EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA, Regulation (EU) 2024/1309).

The law seeks to accelerate gigabit network deployment by:

• Promoting the shared use of existing infrastructure and better coordination of technical projects, reducing repeated excavations and installation costs.
• Simplifying and digitizing licensing and access procedures through a Single Information Point (SIP), which consolidates data on infrastructure and planned projects, improving transparency and access to information.
• Strengthening cross-sector coordination, introducing dispute resolution mechanisms, and providing regulatory powers to ensure a stable and secure framework for rapid digital infrastructure deployment.

“The goal is clear: less bureaucracy, less disruption for citizens, and faster, more reliable internet. We are ending repeated street excavations by coordinating projects centrally and leveraging existing infrastructure,” said Papastergiou.

A practical example involves neighborhoods where fiber-optic networks will be installed. Previously, streets were repeatedly excavated by different providers for separate projects. Under the new law, projects will be coordinated centrally, minimizing disruption and accelerating completion.

A key element of the reform is the digital transformation of procedures via the e-Dielefsis system, which will expand and integrate into the SIP, serving as a central digital hub for all technical works and infrastructure. Through the SIP:

• e-Dielefsis functions will cover all projects capable of hosting networks.
• Interoperability with other information systems will be enhanced.
• Data on existing and planned infrastructure will be consolidated.
• Approval and implementation processes will be accelerated.

For citizens, this translates to faster home and office connections, reduced bureaucracy, and more modern digital services. In today’s world, reliable internet is essential for work, education, and communication, making network expansion critical.

Public consultation on the legislation is expected in the coming weeks, ministerial decisions within 6–12 months, and the first coordinated projects will be implemented within 12–24 months, targeting urban and selected island areas first.

The Ministry describes this initiative as “a major step in modernizing the country, with a direct and tangible impact on citizens’ daily lives and equitable access to reliable digital infrastructure.