Meridiam was selected as a preferred bidder for the development of the fiber network for more than 50,000 homes in Liezen district of Austria. The 50-year contract comprises the rolling-out, financing, operating, and maintaining of the regional fiber network in the 29 municipalities of the district. The estimated investment value of the project is EUR100 million (US$113.17 million).

The regional fiber network will make the Liezen district more attractive for new businesses, accommodate increasing home-office trends and reduce the need to commute to the main cities of Graz and Linz. Construction of the network will start in 2023 and full-scale operation is scheduled to begin in 2025.

The fiber network will be laid mostly under already constructed routes (roads and paths) as well as in the already existing duct infrastructure. The project will contribute to Austria’s strategic plan to push the widespread roll-out of fibre throughout the country.