A1 Brings High-Speed Internet to More Than 181,000 People in 64 Municipalities in Northwestern, North Central Bulgaria

As part of the project, A1 has built 919 km of new optical infrastructure and upgraded 1,251 km of its existing network. The project has provided optical connectivity to 64 municipalities and three border crossing points, as well as to 280 base stations. As a result of the investment, more than 181,000 people in 64 municipalities in Northwestern and North Central Bulgaria now have access to high-speed internet, Ivanova said.

According to her, this is one of the largest infrastructure projects implemented by the company over the past year. She noted that 253 settlements in the areas covered by the project had been identified as areas with insufficient coverage. Of these, 105 have received optical connectivity and high-speed services.

According to Ivanova, the project has also contributed to improving mobile coverage in sparsely populated areas. Mobile coverage in these areas has increased by 85%, while the population covered has increased by 22%. A1 had 14 months to implement the project.

In addition to building the infrastructure, the company had to obtain numerous permits and coordinate its work with state institutions, municipal administrations, and utility companies. Ivanova said that the project had initially set several key targets: providing 350,000 people with access to high-speed services; establishing optical connectivity to 700 base stations and 185 municipalities; building up to 3,300 km of new optical infrastructure; and upgrading 3,700 km of existing infrastructure across the country. The implementation of the project has been divided among the three major telecommunications operators, with A1 responsible for Northwestern and North Central Bulgaria.

A1 received EUR 69 million in project funding, while the company invested an additional EUR 15 million in 5G equipment, expansion of its transport network, and its 10% own contribution, Ivanova said. She stressed the importance of cooperation between the state and the telecommunications operator in completing the project within the set timeframe. During A1 Tech Trip 2026, the company presented the development of its fixed and mobile networks, new digital services, applications of artificial intelligence, and measures to strengthen cybersecurity.

Other highlights of the event included the development of optical infrastructure and digital services for consumers and businesses.