EirGrid plc in Ireland has launched tender for the operation and commercialization of fibre optical cables in Ireland. EirGrid owns and operates an electricity interconnector between Ireland and the United Kingdom. In tandem with the interconnector, EirGrid has 24 commercial fibre optical cables (CFOC) capable of providing commercial telecoms connectivity between the 2 jurisdictions. 14 cables have already been allocated.

EirGrid is seeking responses from candidates to collaborate with in relation to the operation and commercialisation of the CFOC (the remaining 10 pairs) or who wish to utilise the CFOC themselves. The key features of the services sought under this competition are as set out below:

• the contracting authority wishes to appoint a Commercial Entity (CE) to operate or market, operate and maintain up to 10 fibre pairs on the CFOC on behalf of EirGrid on a concession basis or take on all 10 pairs for their own use,
• the appointed CE will be required operate and maintain separate accounts for the activities related to the operation of the CFOC,
• the appointed CE will be required to develop a marketing strategy for the products and services that will be provided over the CFOC, if they are not going to utilise all 10 CFOC pairs themselves,
• the appointed CE, if they are not going to utilise all 10 CFOC pairs themselves, will be required to offer dark fibre and managed services as outlined in PQQ document.

The estimated value of the tender is EUR 30 million (US$ 33.11 million). The concession period is 20 years.

The deadline to submit the response to the notice is September 25, 2019.