PPC planning telecom entry with fiber optic installations

Power utility PPC is preparing to take its first steps into the telecommunications infrastructure sector by installing fiber optics, as a pilot program in certain parts of the country, with the aim of entering the wholesale telecoms market.

The power utility, as a first stage of a gradual five-year plan, estimated to require investments estimated between 700 and 800 million euros, intends to install fiber optics at certain segments of the 242,000-km network controlled by subsidiary firm DEDDIE/HEDNO, the distribution network operator.

PPC plans to add these fiber optics as installations to DEDDIE/HEDNO’s existing overhead electricity networks, a swifter and lower-cost option compared to going underground.

The power utility will aim to offer internet connections with speeds of around 1,000 Mbps.

The PPC plan, for its first stage, entails leasing the network to telecom companies.

This project, recently approved by the PPC board, features in the corporation’s new business plan, unveiled last December at an Investor Day event.