More than 11,500 kilometers of fiber-optic lines connect the country’s rural areas
At the initiative of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, and with the support of European Union funds and state resources, ultra-fast connectivity infrastructure has been consistently developed in commercially unattractive areas of Lithuania for two decades.
Established in 2005, the non-profit public institution “Plačiajuostis internetas” (Broadband Internet) aims to serve the public interest by developing public high-speed broadband infrastructure in areas where it is lacking or where there is no competition in the provision of broadband services, managing the created infrastructure, and using it to provide high-quality wholesale services.
The infrastructure created through the institution’s broadband development projects opens up opportunities to use advanced technologies in remote areas of the country. Currently, the institution is implementing two broadband infrastructure development projects — “Ultra-Fast Connectivity Infrastructure (ISRI)” and “Ultra-Fast Connectivity Infrastructure Expansion (ISRI-2)” — which, during the 2024–2027 period, will further contribute to reducing the digital divide and improving access to modern technologies even in the most remote parts of the country.
European Union investments have also been allocated to projects implemented by the institution between 2007 and 2023, including:
“Rural Area Information Technology Broadband Network (RAIN)”,
“Expansion of the Rural Area Information Technology Broadband Network (RAIN-2)”,
“Development of Broadband Infrastructure in Rural Areas (PRIP)”,
“Support for Broadband Infrastructure (Phase II) (PRIP2)”,
“Development of Next Generation Internet Access Infrastructure.”
Today, the fiber-optic network created by “Plačiajuostis internetas” extends more than 11,500 kilometers, connecting rural areas across Lithuania.
The institution also manages 25 communication towers, which enable operators to provide advanced 5G services.
This is not just fiber cables underground — it is nearly 6,000 active devices and more than 37,000 passive network elements that sustain daily connectivity. The created infrastructure links 55 municipal centers, 465 elderships, over 800 schools, 500 libraries, more than 1,900 mobile operator infrastructure facilities, and over 345 fixed operator infrastructure objects, along with other assets vital to digital progress.
“The established infrastructure network is a long-term investment in the future of Lithuania’s regions. Every kilometer of fiber brings people closer to education, culture, business, and innovation opportunities,” said Gytis Liaugminas, Director of the public institution “Plačiajuostis internetas.”
This infrastructure enables access to advanced digital services throughout Lithuania — from cloud solutions and remote learning tools to innovative health, culture, and business platforms that help foster growth, enhance innovation, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness.
The infrastructure created by the institution provides wholesale communication services, enabling operators to deliver reliable high-speed internet to end users — residents, schools, libraries, communities, farms, businesses, public and other institutions — granting access to modern technologies and digital services.
Currently, the network supports more than 6,360 wholesale communication services, reaching over 2,070 settlements across Lithuania. End users can choose services from 41 operators utilizing the network. The infrastructure is technologically neutral, and all communication operators can use it on equal terms.
“The vitality of the regions today directly depends on access to connectivity. Our infrastructure allows operators to reach even the most remote areas and provide people, organizations, and businesses with the means to work, learn, and create locally,” said Donatas Bernatonis, Head of the Network Technology and Development Department.
The institution’s wholesale communication services are distinguished by exceptionally high quality, with an average monthly service availability rate of 99.98%.
“We continuously invest in network reliability and technological modernization to meet the highest technical standards,” stated Jolanta Kavaliūnaitė, Head of the Network Management Department.
Continuous network monitoring, rapid and effective response, and preventive measures ensure reliability. To maintain high service quality, the institution constantly implements advanced technologies and innovative solutions, improving network monitoring and power supply systems.
The activities of “Plačiajuostis internetas” are recognized and appreciated internationally. The institution actively cooperates with organizations and institutions in various countries, sharing experiences, and its operational model is being adopted abroad.
“We are proud that our work is recognized beyond Lithuania’s borders. Collaboration with international partners enables the exchange of best practices and strengthens Lithuania’s image as an innovative and open digital state,” said Eglė Misienė, Head of the Legal and General Affairs Division.
Projects implemented by the institution have repeatedly been nominated and awarded in European Commission broadband competitions:
In 2015, the project “Expansion of the Rural Area Information Technology Broadband Network (RAIN-2)” was among the five winners of the European Broadband Awards, recognized as the best in the “Socio-economic impact and affordability” category.
In 2018, the project “Support for Broadband Infrastructure (Phase II)” became a finalist in the same category. In 2019, it won in the “Cost reduction measures and joint investments” category.
In the European Broadband Awards 2023, the project “Development of Next Generation Internet Access Infrastructure” was nominated among the top three in the “Innovative financing, business and investment models” category.
The institution’s non-profit activities are based on responsible strategic planning, allowing efficient financial management and targeted investments in modern network solutions and technological progress.
“Our strength lies in our ability to plan and invest purposefully where it creates the greatest value for society. We operate not for profit, but for collective progress,” said Liuda Gargasienė, Chief Accountant of the Finance Division.
“Plačiajuostis internetas” continually seeks and implements innovative solutions that ensure advanced network management and reliable service quality. The institution invests in network security and resilience, introduces alternative power supply systems, and conducts regular tests to ensure operational continuity, as well as to prevent and respond effectively to cyberattacks, communication disruptions, and power outages.
Behind reliable connectivity stands not only technology but also people — the employees who plan, manage, and ensure process quality. The institution operates an integrated management system based on international standards, meaning that all processes — from network maintenance to customer service — are systematically planned, monitored, and continuously improved.
The institution complies with four international standards:
Quality Management System for wholesale communication services, compliant with LST EN ISO 9001:2015,
Environmental Management System, compliant with LST EN ISO 14001:2015,
Occupational Health and Safety Management System, compliant with LST ISO 45001:2018,
Anti-Bribery Management System, compliant with LST ISO 37001:2017 standards and guidelines.
These systems strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust while effectively managing risks.
“Plačiajuostis internetas” pays particular attention to environmental protection and energy efficiency — using low-emission vehicles, implementing green procurement practices, and powering a significant portion of its network nodes with renewable energy sources.
Looking ahead, the institution aims not only to maintain its achievements but also to invest more boldly in technological development, employee competence, and responsible management. The consistent application of sustainability principles across its operations will continue to contribute significantly to building a more advanced, innovative, and inclusive Lithuania.
The activities of the public institution “Plačiajuostis internetas” demonstrate that targeted strategic planning, innovative solutions, and responsible management not only ensure reliable and modern connectivity but also create lasting value for society.
The implemented projects, the developed network, and the technologies being introduced not only reduce the digital divide but also strengthen the country’s competitiveness, empower communities, businesses, and education — proving that Lithuania can be a model of how investment in advanced infrastructure brings real benefits to the entire society.