Telecom Sector Saves 1 Billion Zlotys in Recovery Funds, Now Brussels Must Decide

Poland’s telecom industry has reported broadband coverage for 544,030 homes, apparently clearing the target needed to protect more than 1 billion zlotys in recovery funds.

Operators using the SIMBA information system submitted the figure by 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 31, according to the Polish Digital Projects Centre, which distributes the European Union money. The result exceeded the 521,000-home minimum tied to a possible extension of investment deadlines and the retention of the funding.

The sector had faced a widening shortfall. Operators reported coverage for 384,000 homes in July, putting 1.4 billion zlotys at risk. By mid-August, the figure had risen to 436,000 homes, while 1.3 billion zlotys remained threatened. The latest submission appears to have met the European Commission’s requirement.

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Operators reported the required number in the SIMBA system.

The Polish Digital Projects Centre confirmed that operators had reported the required number and said it had begun formally preparing amendments to extend project completion deadlines. The amendments, sent for signature this month, would allow projects under the National Recovery Plan to continue until June 2027.

The final decision now depends on Brussels and Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs. Projects from the first two funding rounds originally had to finish in June, while those from the next two rounds were due by the end of August. Further financing will be possible only if the European Commission confirms the target and the digital minister publishes the required notice.

Orange Polska is the largest listed beneficiary, with 677 million zlotys in support. Other major recipients include the Mazovian Development Agency, Zicom Group, Asta-Net, Point, FCA, Tauron Customer Service, Toya, Geckonet Group and PBT Zachód.

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This month, we sent for signature amendments extending the implementation period for projects under the National Recovery Plan until June 2027.