Apply for the European Digital Connectivity Awards 2026

Europe's Digital Decade transformation depends on high-capacity, secure, resilient and sustainable digital connectivity for citizens, businesses and public administrations. The European Digital Connectivity Awards 2026 invite applications from projects that are already advanced in their implementation and have a tangible impact. Projects of all sizes are welcome to apply - whether rural, urban, private, public, local, regional, national, cross-border or international. Applications are open to projects covering all relevant connectivity technologies, including fibre, 5G, fixed wireless access, satellite, backbone and international connectivity solutions.

The winners will receive a European Digital Connectivity Award and will be showcased by the European Commission through relevant media channels, events and websites.

How and when to apply?

Applicants should download the application form and the guide for applicants. They are invited to read the guide carefully before completing the application form.

Applications must be completed in English and submitted as an .xlsx file by email. The deadline for submitting applications is 9 September 2026, end of day.

The winners will be announced and awarded at a dedicated ceremony preliminary scheduled for 2 December 2026 in Brussels. Winning projects will also be featured on the Digital Strategy website of the European Commission.

Award categories

The projects will be submitted and evaluated in one of the three following categories:

Category 1 - Excellence and innovation in deployment of Gigabit-Ready Infrastructure

This category is designed for projects delivering high-capacity, future-proof networks, including fibre-to-the-home, advanced 5G fixed wireless access or mobile networks, satellite connectivity, or combinations with other digital infrastructures and technologies such as cloud, edge computing, IoT, AI or 3C networks. This category recognises technological innovation, readiness for current and future connectivity needs, and the promotion of new business models for telecom operators and connectivity providers.

Category 2 - Champions in addressing digital divide in rural and remote areas

This category is dedicated to projects that successfully connect rural, remote or geographically challenging areas and generate clear socio-economic benefits. It recognises projects that help ensure no community is left behind by deploying connectivity in some of the most difficult-to-reach areas and territories.

Category 3 - Cross-border and international connectivity

This category is open to projects deploying digital connectivity networks in cross-border regions or multi-country contexts, either within the EU or connecting the EU with non-EU countries and other world regions. Eligible projects may include global or regional gateways, terrestrial or submarine backbone connectivity, and fixed or wireless connectivity solutions. This category recognises complex transnational projects that deliver secure, resilient and holistic cross-border connectivity.

Further information and support

For questions, please contact the European Digital Connectivity Awards helpdesk by or by phone at +49 341 962103 19.

More details are available on the European Digital Connectivity Awards page. The Awards are managed by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT).