Under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), several grant titles have been opened to contribute to the development of projects of common interest in the deployment and construction of secure high-capacity networks, including 5G systems, increasing the resilience and capacity of digital backbone networks in EU Member States through their interconnection with neighbouring countries, and digitising transport and energy networks.

5G and Edge Cloud for smart communities

Work

Application deadline: 20 February 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Allocation: EUR 51m
Maximum amount of support: 75 %

Supported activities

• Upgrading the existing network, which currently does not provide sufficient quality for use
• Deployment of edge computing infrastructure including hardware and software (if necessary for project implementation)
• If it does not exist, then the interconnection of gigabit backbone networks may be supported (may only represent 10% of eligible costs)
• Deployment of mobile or fixed device interconnects such as antenna equipment, transceivers and connected sensors

Projects will be carried out in cooperation with mobile operators, who will provide access to 5G services to the socio-economic actors of the public administration, which will enable the grant applicants to implement projects for the innovative use of 5G networks and systems. The call supports the construction and deployment of both active (5G radio communication equipment) and passive elements (buildings, cabling) of network infrastructure.

Backbone connectivity for Global Digital Gateway

Works and studies

Application deadline: 20 February 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Allocation for studies: EUR 15m
Maximum amount of support for studies: 50 %
Allocation for work: EUR 75m
Maximum amount of support for work: 70% (the maximum amount applies to work in the outermost regions)

Supported activities

• Network solutions for the expected system lifecycle
• Satellite backbone solutions (only the costs associated with building a terrestrial satellite network and connecting them to local networks)
• Costs associated with significant improvements to the local access network (only in areas where this is feasible and only within the limits set out in the call, which must not exceed 5% of the total project cost)
• Costs associated with integrating sensors into the underwater cable system (e.g. smart cables)

The call supports the deployment of backbone connections on routes within Member States (including overseas countries and territories) and third countries where functional infrastructure is insufficient, existing infrastructure cannot meet demand, or users in these territories suffer from sub-optimal services and prices.

5G coverage along transport corridors

Works and studies

Application deadline: 20 February 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Allocation for studies: EUR 5m
Maximum amount of support for studies: 50 %
Allocation for work:  EUR 95m
Maximum amount of support for work: 70% (the maximum amount applies to work in the outermost regions)

Supported activities

• Deployment of passive network elements including construction works (e.g. dark fibre, 5G radio stations, towers and/or masts)
• Deployment and installation of active network elements (e.g. antennas, storage and computing functions such as network controllers, routers, switches, PBXs)
• Deployment and installation of track specific equipment for CAM use cases such as sensors, cameras, etc. for traffic monitoring purposes, including connected roadside units
• Studies for preparatory work, such as network planning, to be deployed as part of proposed work within the same use

This call will fund initial studies to deploy a 5G network to cover transport corridors. Work to build the installation of this 5G network will begin once the study is complete. Where appropriate, studies involving several 5G network deployment projects (e.g. in the same geographical area or involving several modes of transport) are also supported.

The priority of the call is to support investment in border areas involving two or more Member States, where market forces alone will not ensure the necessary quality of 5G services. The call focuses on key European transport routes. The corridor under study must cross at least one border between two Member States. The length of the corridor may vary depending on national circumstances such as geographical location, the means of transport using the corridor and the maximum amount of project/EU funding.

Form of support:

• This is a mixed grant based on actual costs (actual costs with unit cost and flat rate elements).
• This means that the grant will ONLY cover certain types of costs (eligible costs) and costs that have actually been incurred for the project (NOT budgeted costs).
• In the case of unit costs and flat rates, amounts calculated as explained in the grant agreement may be charged.

 !     Each of the above-mentioned subsidy titles has additional specific support conditions.

In case you are interested in subsidies or preparing and submitting project applications, we are at your service.