"Budapest's Broadband Project Connects 97% of Households to High-Speed Internet"

Published: November 24 2023

Hungary's broadband development project has successfully connected 97% of households in Budapest to high-speed internet. The project, supported by the European Union, aimed to provide at least 30 Mbps internet access to all households and at least 100 Mbps to half of households by 2020.

Thanks to the launch of the Superfast Internet Programme, Hungary exceeded its goal with 95% coverage of 30 Mbps internet by 2020, and two-thirds of households now have access to 1 Gbps internet by the end of 2022. The project involved laying optical cables along 22,500 km and connecting 3,800 public institutions, schools, and local councils.

The project also highlighted the importance of providing high-speed internet access to isolated locations with low population density. This ensures that even remote areas can benefit from the advantages of broadband connectivity.

In a global OECD summary, Hungary ranks eighth in terms of average download speed across the country. This demonstrates the significant progress made in improving internet infrastructure and connectivity in Hungary.

What is the Budapest broadband project? The Budapest broadband project is a development project aimed at providing high-speed internet access to households in Hungary.

What percentage of households in Hungary now have access to high-speed internet? According to the government information technology agency KIFU, 97 percent of households in Hungary now have access to state-of-the-art network links as a result of the broadband project.

How was the Budapest broadband project funded? The project was funded with a contribution of more than HUF 3 billion (EUR 7.9m) of non-refundable European Union support.

What were the goals of the Digital Agenda for Europe and the National Infocommunications Strategy? The goals were to make at least 30 Mbs internet access available to all households and at least 100 Mbs available to half of households in Hungary by 2020.

Has Hungary achieved its internet access goals? Yes, Hungary has achieved its goals. By 2020, Hungary's 30 Mbs coverage exceeded 95 percent, and two-thirds of households had access to 1 Gbs internet by the end of 2022.

How many optical cables were laid as part of the Budapest broadband project? As part of the project, optical cables were laid along a total of 22,500kms.

Which institutions and organizations have been connected to the high-speed internet as a result of the Budapest broadband project? According to KIFU chairman Endre Spaller, a total of 3,800 public institutions, schools, and local councils have been connected to the high-speed internet as a result of the programme.

Where does Hungary rank in terms of average download speed compared to other countries? According to Endre Spaller, in a global OECD summary, Hungary is in eighth place in terms of the average download speed across the country.