Latvian and Lithuanian operators invest in next-generation networks

Service providers in the Baltic states are moving ahead with next-generation network investments.

Lithuanian telco Teo has said it will invest about LTL96m (€28m) in deploying its next-generation fibre network this year and that it expects fibre-to-the-home to be available to half of the country’s population by the end of the year.

The latest phase of investment means that 570,000 Lithuanian homes will be passed by FTTH, with 84,000 signing up by the end of June. Teo’s total FTTH investment across three years in 50 towns and cities in Lithuania will amount to LTL255m by the end of 2010. The company expects 100,000 customers to the service by the end of December.

In neighboring Latvia, cable operator Baltkom meanwhile has invested LVL2.9m (€8m) in its own next-generation network, which is currently available to 90,000 homes in the Riga area, providing internet speeds of 100Mbps and above.