Greece wants to invest in a new fibre optic network that will drastically upgrade its broadband and cable television capabilities, an AFP report said.
The AFP report quoted Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis saying that 'we have decided to invest as a country in a modern fibre optic network that will change the daily life of Greek citizens.'
The seven-year project estimated to cost €2.1 billion ($3 billion) will provide high-definition TV, video telephony, quicker internet connections and other high-bandwidth services, Alogoskoufis said.
It will be developed through a public-private partnership and is eligible for funding from the European Investment Bank, he said.
An international tender on the open-access network will be issued in the second half of 2009, the report said.
The contract involves the construction, maintenance and operation of a dark fibre network for 30 years.
Greece has laboured to increase the number of high-bandwidth users by slashing subscription prices and improving connections, the AFP report further said.