Internet Society – Bulgaria: Empowering a Connected Society

In Bulgaria, the Internet Society has been actively working to empower a connected society. The organization has been promoting internet development and access for all Bulgarians.

The Internet Society has been working with local internet service providers to improve the country's internet infrastructure. This has led to increased internet speeds and better connectivity for Bulgarians.

The Internet Society has also been advocating for internet policies that benefit the country's citizens. This includes promoting affordable internet access and protecting online rights.

By empowering a connected society, the Internet Society in Bulgaria is helping to bridge the digital divide and promote economic growth.

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In the late 90s, Bulgaria took a bold step by waiving licensing and registration for Internet service providers, paving the way for unprecedented growth in Internet penetration, affordability, and quality of service.

This approach allowed smaller ISPs to establish themselves quickly, driving the need for competitors to improve their services and lower their costs. The result was a highly competitive market that provided users with better choices and affordable access to the Internet.

Having a strong foundation in place, Bulgaria was able to invest in its network infrastructure and performance, and local service providers like A1 Bulgaria were able to encourage others to do the same while retaining affordability.

For another approach, see: Internet in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's early adoption of a laissez-faire approach to Internet service providers (ISPs) in the late 90s paved the way for unprecedented growth in Internet penetration, affordability, and quality of service.

This growth was largely driven by smaller ISPs establishing themselves quickly, which in turn forced larger competitors to improve their services and lower their costs.

The result was a strong, competitive, and established market, which has enabled local service providers like A1 Bulgaria to invest in their network infrastructure and performance.

Mobile connectivity in Bulgaria is extremely high, with a ranking of 89% in the Pulse Internet Resilience Index (IRI).

Mobile network performance is also very strong, with a ranking of 77%.

Affordability is another area where Bulgaria excels, with a ranking of 92% in the IRI.

However, Bulgaria's fixed network download speed is lagging behind, with a ranking of 28% and a global ranking of 68th.

Suggestion: Internet Network Operators' Group

Developing Digital Literacy is key to building a strong foundation in today's digital age. As we've learned, most people in the US have a smartphone, and many use the internet every day.

To start, it's essential to have a basic understanding of computer hardware and software. This includes knowing the difference between a laptop and a desktop, as well as understanding the functions of a keyboard and mouse.

Online safety is another crucial aspect of digital literacy. We've seen how important it is to use strong passwords and be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Digital citizenship is also vital, as it involves being aware of online etiquette and respecting others' digital rights. This includes not sharing personal information online and being mindful of online bullying.

Basic online navigation skills are also necessary, such as knowing how to use a search engine and how to access online resources. This can be as simple as learning how to use a browser and understanding how to bookmark favorite websites.

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Bulgaria is making significant strides in addressing rural connectivity challenges. The government has continued to support the development of high-speed Internet through various national plans and strategies.

The National Strategy for the Development of Broadband Access in the Republic of Bulgaria (2012—2015) and its succeeding plans have outlined steps to accelerate the development of high-speed Internet, particularly in less populated regions. This includes improving spectrum efficiency and network security.

The National Development Programme of Bulgaria 2030 prioritizes digital connectivity, aiming to fast-track the development of very high-capacity networks through permit exemptions and more efficient online application procedures. It also seeks to make georeferenced information about infrastructure and dark fiber available.

The Digital Transformation of Bulgaria for the period 2020—2030 aims to deploy secure digital infrastructure and ensure access to adequate technical knowledge and digital skills. This is crucial for bridging the digital divide in rural areas.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications plans to allocate nearly USD 257 million to provide high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity to up to 400,000 residents in remote and sparsely populated areas. This will involve the construction of 3,700 km of new optical routes and upgrading 450 base stations with optical connectivity.

Bulgaria is exceeding several target indicators set as part of its Next Generation Access strategy, including Fixed Very High Capacity Network coverage (73% as of 2023) and 5G readiness (67% as of 2023).

Here are some key statistics on Bulgaria's progress in addressing rural connectivity challenges: