Pilot Project on Satellite Broadband Access to Unconnected Schools

European Commission Pilot Projects (PP) introduce new initiatives that might turn into standing EU funding programmes. A PP is an initiative of an experimental nature designed to test the feasibility of an action and its usefulness and lasts not more than two years.

The European Commission has launched a second round of a Pilot Project to promote the use of ICT in education, training and learning systems. The call aims to increase the availability and quality of connectivity to broadband internet services for schools and classrooms, especially in rural and low population density areas, through the adoption of dedicated measures.

Proposals should contribute to assessing the benefits of a broadband connectivity via satellite in areas impacted by digital divide with the support of regional or national public authorities. The pilot project will act as a precursor to realising the even larger benefits that the European Gigabit Society will later make largely available.

Applicants must have a clear experience in implementing space telecommunications technologies for the reduction of the digital divide and for connectivity improvement. Relevant European stakeholders in the ICT supply chain should be involved in projects.

Proposals must be submitted by a consortium composed of at least three legal entities from two different EU Member States. There is no upper limit on the number of members in a consortium, but it should be composed in such a way as to allow for the achievement of project objectives in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.

The eligibility criteria must be complied with for the entire duration of the grant. Therefore, if the United Kingdom withdraws from the EU during the grant period without concluding an agreement with the EU ensuring in particular that British applicants continue to be eligible, they will cease to receive EU funding (while continuing, where possible, to participate) or be required to leave the project on the basis of the rules set out in the grant agreement.

The total budget for the Call is €950,000. One proposal will be funded, and the maximum duration of projects is 24 months. Activities must start not later than three months after the signature of the grant agreement.

Applications must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal by the 19 March 2020 deadline.

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.