Conference "Advancing Connectivity in Lithuania through Ultra-Fast Broadband Projects: Insights, Progress and Future Directions"
On 5 February 2026, the public institution "Plačiajuostis internetas" organised a virtual conference entitled "Advancing Connectivity in Lithuania through Ultra-Fast Broadband Projects: insights, progress and future directions". The conference aimed to discuss Lithuania’s progress in developing ultra-fast broadband infrastructure, with a particular focus on the role of the state, regulatory oversight, and projects financed by the European Union. During the event, the institution’s implemented projects – "Ultra-Fast Communication Infrastructure (ISRI)" and "Development of Ultra-Fast Communication Infrastructure (ISRI-2)" – were presented, along with their significance for society and future perspectives.
The event brought together representatives of the European Commission, national institutions, and the electronic communications sector, who discussed the progress of ultra-fast connectivity deployment in Lithuania, implemented solutions, their importance in achieving national and European Union connectivity goals, and the benefits for local communities.
The conference was opened by Tomas Daukantas, Chancellor of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, and Gytis Liaugminas, director of the public institution "Plačiajuostis internetas". In their opening remarks, they emphasised the importance of ultra-fast connectivity for the country’s economic competitiveness, regional development, and the reduction of the digital divide.
On behalf of the European Commission, participants were welcomed by Franco Accordino, Head of Unit B5 (Investment in High-Speed Networks) at the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology. He presented the European Commission’s connectivity vision and strategic objectives. In his address, Mr. Accordino also introduced the Digital Networks Act (DNA), which aims to modernise the legal framework for connectivity in order to promote innovation and investment in advanced and resilient digital infrastructure across the European Union.
Particular attention during the conference was devoted to the role of the state in ensuring the achievement of connectivity objectives. Pietro Pantalissi, representative of Unit C4 (State Aid Information, Communications and Media Sectors) at the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission, stressed that smart, targeted, and timely state intervention in the communications sector is essential. Hugues Thomas-Castelnau, Lithuania Coordinator for the Digital Decade Policy Programme at the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, shared insights into Lithuania’s connectivity sector in the context of the European Commission.
Representatives of the public institution "Plačiajuostis internetas", director Gytis Liaugminas and project manager Donatas Bernatonis, presented the institution’s activities and reviewed two European Union-funded projects – "Ultra-Fast Communication Infrastructure (ISRI)" and "Development of Ultra-Fast Communication Infrastructure (ISRI-2)". Their presentations covered the projects’ objectives, implementation progress, achieved results, and the expected impact on Lithuanian residents and businesses.
The conference also examined the impact of ultra-fast broadband infrastructure on society and regional development, highlighting its importance for education, healthcare, public services, and the digital economy. Marija Jaskelevičienė, representative of the Central Project Management Agency, emphasised the benefits these projects bring to regions and the importance of digital education for residents in order to maximise the projects’ impact. During the event, Dr. Virgilijus Stundžia, representative of the Communications Regulatory Authority, presented statistical information, reviewed completed and upcoming regulatory activities in the communications sector, and provided recommendations for the further development of the sector.
The conference became an important platform for strengthening cooperation between national institutions and the European Union, sharing experiences, and seeking solutions to ensure high-quality connectivity throughout Lithuania and contribute to the achievement of Europe’s common digital objectives.
Last updated: 06-02-2026
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