Albania suffers from a lack of fixed broadband penetration and low internet connection speeds. Although recent figures for internet users and broadband subscriptions in Albania have been increasing by 10-15% per annum, the fixed broadband penetration rate remains at significantly lower levels compared with other economies in the region and the EU.
Low broadband penetration rates and lack of internet connectivity have been further compounded by the large number of inhabitants residing in villages outside of urban areas, where the internet connectivity divide is even greater. The regions Vlora, Gjirokastra, Fier, Berat, and Korçë located in the southern part of the country represent roughly 35% of Albanian territory with around 900,000 inhabitants and account for approximately 45% of the total white areas in the country. The area also includes the Albanian Riviera and a number of tourism zones (Berat, Korca, Gjirokastra, Vlora, Himara, Saranda, Lushnje, and Fier).
The purpose of WBIF technical assistance is to support the preparation of Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Detailed Design (DD) and Tender Documents for broadband development in white areas in Vlora, Gjirokastra, Fier, Berat, and Korçë regions. This is a consecutive step after the first pilot investment for rural broadband development in the northern part of Albania (municipalities of Shkodra, Kukes, Tropoja, and Dibra).
