The telecommunications landscape of Southeastern Europe is about to undergo a significant transformation. United Group, a leading European telecom and pay-TV operator, has announced the construction of a brand-new terrestrial cable stretching from Athens to Thessaloniki, Greece. Athens-Thessaloniki Cable United Group

This ambitious project, spearheaded by United Fiber, a subsidiary of United Group, marks a significant step forward in bolstering regional connectivity and infrastructure.

A Strategic Move for United Group

This development comes amidst growing interest in United Group. Rumors of a potential acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s stc Group have sent ripples through the industry. While the deal remains in its early stages, it highlights the strategic value of United Group’s assets, particularly its robust fiber network infrastructure.

United Fiber Flexes its Muscle

United Fiber, unfazed by the potential acquisition talks, has unveiled an impressive shopping list of its fiber assets. The company boasts a sprawling network of 60,000 kilometers spanning across four key European markets: Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia. This infrastructure reaches a staggering 3.6 million homes, solidifying United Fiber’s position as a major player in the region.

A €450 Million Investment Pipeline Fuels Growth

United Fiber has charted an ambitious course for growth, with a dedicated €450 million investment pipeline spanning the period 2024-2028. This investment fuels the company’s infrastructure expansion plans, with a focus on reaching an additional 475,000 homes with fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology in 2024 alone. United Fiber expects to maintain this rapid pace in the years to come.

Strengthening Regional Presence: Expansion Across Borders

United Fiber isn’t content with resting on its laurels. The company is actively expanding its footprint across the region. Starting with Slovenia in March 2024, United Fiber plans to establish dedicated entities in Bulgaria and Croatia by the end of the year. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating investments and solidifying its position as a leading infrastructure provider.

United Fiber Greece: A Leader in FTTH Penetration

United Fiber Greece has already made significant strides in its home market. The company boasts a remarkable 20% FTTH penetration on its own network, significantly exceeding the national average of 8%. This achievement is a testament to United Fiber’s dedication to bringing cutting-edge fiber technology to Greek households.

Dominating the Regional FTTH Landscape

United Fiber’s dominance extends beyond Greece. In Bulgaria, the company reigns supreme with the largest FTTH network, reaching a staggering 50% of all households. This impressive reach is further projected to expand to 67% by 2028, solidifying United Fiber’s position as the undisputed leader in Bulgarian FTTH infrastructure.

Croatia and Slovenia: Witnessing Steady Growth

United Fiber is making waves in Croatia as well. The company is currently adding a staggering 80,000 households per year to its network, with ambitious plans to reach 40% of all Croatian households by 2028. Similarly, in Slovenia, United Fiber boasts the second-largest gigabit-enabled network, empowering roughly 50% of the country’s households.

The Athens-Thessaloniki Cable: A Game Changer for Regional Connectivity

The centerpiece of this ambitious project is the Athens-Thessaloniki terrestrial cable. Spanning a colossal 548 kilometers, this vital infrastructure will weave its way through eight key Greek cities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos, Lamia, Larissa, Livadeia, Katerini, and Thebes. This strategic route extends beyond Greece’s borders, connecting with Sofia and Belgrade, eventually reaching Western Europe’s major hubs via Ljubljana.

Bridging East and West: Enhanced Connectivity with Neighboring Regions

The Athens-Thessaloniki cable isn’t just about connecting Greek cities. This innovative project fosters enhanced connectivity with neighboring regions as well. To the East, the cable strengthens existing interconnections with Turkey and the Middle East, further bolstering ties with Bulgaria. To the West and South, the new route seamlessly integrates with the current backbone, linking Athens with existing submarine cables to Italy and Crete.

United Group Paves the Way for Digital Transformation

“By creating this completely new route, United Group tangibly demonstrates its commitment to be the largest fiber network provider in Southeastern Europe,” declared Paolo Ficini, CEO of UGI Wholesale. “The project meets the increasing demand coming from the significant investment in new data centers in the region, as well as in new submarine cables landing in Greece in the Southern border,” Ficini added. The Athens-Thessaloniki cable is much more than just a physical infrastructure project; it’s a catalyst for digital transformation across Southeastern Europe. By enabling faster data transmission speeds and improved network reliability, this project lays the foundation for a future brimming with digital opportunities.

A Look Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Region?

The ramifications of United Group’s ambitious project are far-reaching. Here’s a glimpse into what this development signifies for Southeastern Europe:

• Enhanced Connectivity: The Athens-Thessaloniki cable will significantly improve regional connectivity, fostering faster data exchange and communication between countries.
• Boosted Economic Growth: Improved infrastructure paves the way for economic growth. Businesses will benefit from faster and more reliable internet connections, potentially attracting new investments and creating job opportunities.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: By expanding fiber access to underserved areas, the project has the potential to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to the Internet for all.
• A Hub for Innovation: The enhanced connectivity facilitated by the cable will create a fertile ground for innovation, fostering the development of new technologies and applications.

Conclusion: United Group’s Bold Move Shapes the Future of Southeastern Europe

United Group’s decision to construct the Athens-Thessaloniki cable is a bold move that will undoubtedly reshape the telecommunications landscape of Southeastern Europe. This project signifies the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering regional connectivity and accelerating digital transformation. The ripple effects of this initiative will be felt for years to come, paving the way for a brighter digital future for the entire region. Athens-Thessaloniki Cable United Group