5868670 428625 0 0 -3810 9839325 Ehitajate tee 5 19086 Tallinn Rg-kood 74000323 Tel 620 2002 E-post
[email protected] www.taltech.ee 0 0 Ehitajate tee 5 19086 Tallinn Rg-kood 74000323 Tel 620 2002 E-post
[email protected] www.taltech.ee -3810 428625 0 0 SA Eesti Teadusagentuur Soola 8 1 4 . 0 8 .20 2 4 nr 11-10/ 11-10/908-5 5 1004 Tartu Ettevalmistustoetuse taotlemine Käesolevaga taotleb Tallinna Tehnikaülikool ( reg nr 74000323, ak EE201010052037382001 ) ettevalmistustoetust p rojekti le Uninterrupted 5G Coverage Across Via Baltica Corridor - 23-EU-DIG-5G-BALTICS ( 101181148 , CEF-DIG-2023-5GCORRIDORS ) , vastutav täitja professor Muhammad Mahtab Alam, Thomas Seebecki elektroonikainstituut . Lugupidamisega (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) Marika Lunden Teadusosakond Lisa: ESR left 284480 Riina Vilgats 620 3536
[email protected] 0 0 Riina Vilgats 620 3536
[email protected]
Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)5728137 - 08/08/2024
Proposal Evaluation Form
EUROPEAN COMMISSION Evaluation Summary
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Report
Call: CEF-DIG-2023-5GCORRIDORS
Type of action: CEF-INFRA
Proposal number: 101181148
Proposal acronym: 23-EU-DIG-5G-BALTICS
Duration (months): 36
Proposal title: Uninterrupted 5G Coverage Across Via Baltica Corridor
Activity: CEF-DIG-2023-5GCORRIDORS-WORKS
N. Proposer name Country Total % Grant %
eligible Requested
costs
1 TALLINNA TEHNIKAÜLIKOOL EE 506,120 3.05% 253,060 3.05%
2 EESTI LAIRIBA ARENDUSE SIHTASUTUS EE 2,512,060 15.16% 1,256,030 15.16%
3 TELIA EESTI AS EE 762,623 4.60% 381,311.5 4.60%
4 ELISA EESTI AS EE 986,874 5.95% 493,437 5.95%
5 TELE2 EESTI AKTSIASELTS EE 737,800 4.45% 368,900 4.45%
6 SABIEDRIBA AR IEROBEZOTU ATBILDIBU TET LV 6,548,400 39.51% 3,274,200 39.51%
7 AKCINE BENDROVE LIETUVOS AUTOMOBILIU KELIU LT 1,970,890 11.89% 985,445 11.89%
DIREKCIJA
8 Tele2 LV 756,200 4.56% 378,100 4.56%
9 UAB Tele2 LT 901,400 5.44% 450,700 5.44%
10 Telia Lietuva, AB LT 892,200 5.38% 446,100 5.38%
Total: 16,574,567 8,287,283.5
Abstract:
Following the successful completion of the LATEST5GS study project (under CEF digital call1), this project ‘5G-BALTICS’ aims to provide full
proof 5G uninterrupted coverage by building the 5G active and passive infrastructure across via-Baltica TEN-T corridor of 663.2km long. The project
has multiple cross-border segments, as the deployed sites will enable 5G coverage in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, while special focus activities will
be undertaken for uninterrupted coverage at the border crossing.
In specific, in Estonia, 8 new sites (with new active and passive infrastructure) will enable uninterrupted 5G coverage across via-Baltica Estonian
segment of 192.2 km. In Latvia, 195 km optical infrastructure will be developed to enable the transmission backbone for 5G connectivity, in addition
27 sites with active infrastructure will ensure 5G uninterrupted coverage for 203 km. In Lithuania, the via Baltica is 268 km long, and 15 units of
radio base station towers will be built along with 20 active infrastructures to ensure 5G network availability along the entire length of the road.
5G-BALTICS plans to use the funding to speed up the deployment of 5G connectivity along via Baltica, thus enabling more efficient, smart,
sustainable, and environmentally friendly mobility along one of the major EU transport paths. By doing so, the project will actively contribute to the
achievement of the CEF3 programme, the EU Gigabit Society Strategy, and the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy objectives. The project
has a work plan spanning 36 months to deliver fully operational and validated 5G networks. The 5G-BALTICS project is composed of a strong
consortium comprising six MNOs and three passive infrastructure providers, which are determined to provide cross-operator and cross-vendor border
crossing uninterrupted 5G coverage. The consortium members are experts in their fields and are considered the main stakeholders in their respective
countries. They have 20+ years
Evaluation Summary Report
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Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)5728137 - 08/08/2024
Evaluation Result
Total score: 19.50 (Threshold: 15 )
Criterion 1 - Priority and urgency
Score: 4.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - )
The detailed criteria are set out in the call conditions (see Call document).
The priority and urgency of the proposed project are very good.
The proposal addresses very well the priorities and sub-priorities of the CEF-DIG-2023-5GCORRIDORS-WORKS call text.
It will provide a 663.2 km 5G cross border corridor for the Via Baltica part of the North Sea Baltic TEN-T corridor through Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, from
the Polish border to the port of Tallinn. The objective is to provide connected and automated mobility (CAM), ITS, and also multi-service/multi-application 5G
services using both active and passive infrastructure and pioneer band technology for uninterrupted 5G connectivity. The pioneer 5G bands available in Latvia,
Lithuania and Estonia to be used are the 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz.
The proposal has a very good EU added value.
The proposed project clearly contributes to the 2030 Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”, by improving the resilience of digital connectivity among the Baltic
States. The project has a strong Cross-Border dimension and will cover a transport path from the Polish border across Lithuania and Latvia to the Estonian
harbour, so as to enable uninterrupted service. Addressing the 5G coverage white spots (i.e., lack of coverage in certain areas), as demonstrated in the CEF
DIGITAL LATEST 5GS study that was prepared for this proposal, is of EU added value. The proposal also refers to cooperation with the CSA GUIDE.
The proposal has a very good synergy with the CEF transport programme as regards CAM.
The proposal contributes to providing 5G networks for ITS services for passengers and citizens of neighbouring areas. The proposal will also exploit results from
the relevant European research projects, such as 5GRoutes that addressed the Baltic cross border setting focused on the Via Baltica-North to demonstrate 5G E2E
interoperable CAM. Moreover, the proposal is related to 21-EU-TG-Dust action funded under CEF Energy that will construct charging stations along the route.
Synergy with the CEF Transport Military Mobility is mentioned in the proposal, but how this will materialise is not properly explained, which is a minor
shortcoming.
The project is below the 15% threshold of the TEN-T comprehensive network for each of the Baltic States (for Estonia 192km corresponding to 14% and for
Lithuania 268 km corresponding to 12% and for Latvia 195 km corresponding to 12%). The percentage of TEN-T comprehensive network covered by CEF-Digital
5G Corridors deployment projects from previous calls for roads is 0% for the three Baltic states.
Criterion 2 - Maturity
Score: 4.00 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - )
The detailed criteria are set out in the call conditions (see Call document).
The maturity of this proposal is very good.
The technical maturity is very good. The proposal gives reasonable assurance that the project is ready to start, as the completed inception study “LATEST 5GS”
already identified the 5G coverage white spaces and included network planning, stakeholder needs’ analyses, main legal acts and documents regulating the
electronic communications sector in the Baltic states and Europe, analysis of existing infrastructure, coverage planning, and estimated costs and timeline.
The procedural maturity is very good. The MNOs in the consortium have the licenses to the spectrum bands that will be used in the project and all procedures are
ready to start and permits are identified. Political commitment is strong, with commitments by national authorities on 5G signed over the last years including Via
Baltica, as shown in the different national strategies. Public consultations were held in each of the countries in the context of previous projects and the elaboration
of national strategies. A feasibility study for Via Baltica conducted by Lithuania highlighted the white spots in 5G coverage - 65% of the road Via Baltica and
75% of the rail Baltica corridor.
The procurement and tender procedures have been identified and there is an existing contract with Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia on cooperation
for the placement of telecommunication cables in the land division lanes of state roads. The required permits at each site will be subcontracted.
The financial maturity of the proposal is also very good. The financial commitment of all participants is secured except for ELASA, which may have to activate a
bank guarantee.
Criterion 3 - Quality
Score: 3.00 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - )
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The detailed criteria are set out in the call conditions (see Call document).
The quality of the proposal is good.
Technical implementation plan is good. The objectives are clearly defined and the work packages are well described. New 5G towers will be installed in Estonia
and Lithuania, whereas in Latvia the existing towers will be upgraded with 5G, so this part will end up with lower capacity slightly reducing the improvement.
However, advanced CAM will also require low latencies and the solutions to achieve cross border uninterrupted connectivity is not sufficiently addressed.
The Cost Effectiveness is good. The costs related to human resources are properly addressed and seems reasonable. However, the costs related to equipment,
services and subcontracting are not fully explained. This is a shortcoming. The Sustainability and Maintenance Strategy is very good as a realistic and credible
maintenance strategy is foreseen. The design of the active and passive equipment measures is well planned to meet the requirements of reliability, stability,
serviceability, durability, technology, cost-effectiveness, and environmental protection.
The Operational Capacity of applicants is very good. They have the necessary technical capacity and resources to implement the proposed action. It is positive that
in all three Baltic countries there are a good number of MNOs participating in the project, as well as a road infrastructure manger from Lithuania.
The financial management is not described in detail. The principles and procedures of the project's financial management will be integrated into both the
Consortium Agreement and the Project Management Plan (D4.1).
The roles and responsibilities between the different partners in the consortium are well distributed, however the reasons for having a technical university as the
coordinator are not explained. The governance rules are not yet fixed hence the lines of communication and decision-making processes are not adequately
described. There are no references to resolution of conflicts, which in a project of such dimension should be planned.
The Quality Assurance is good. However, the Project Management is not properly described, which is a shortcoming.
The Risk Management plan is good, however some parts would have benefited from greater detail. Globally the risks might be underestimated or too optimistic and
the most risky processes are transferred to subcontractors. However, some parts would have benefited from greater detail. For example, Risk No. 1. is not realistic,
as permitting is not even contemplated in the Gantt Chart.
The communication plans are vague. There is a task in WP4 that refers only in generic terms to the implementation of the dissemination of the project goals.
Criterion 4 - Impact
Score: 3.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - )
The detailed criteria are set out in the call conditions (see Call document).
The expected impact of the proposed project is good because it will provide 5G coverage for the Via Baltica.
The expected economic, social and competition Impacts are also good. The project will bring socio economic benefits for the cross border sections of the Via
Baltica, potentially improving the availability of ITS and CAM services, as well as advanced services for those residents living nearby. The project plans to conduct
a socio-economic impact assessment.
The expected environmental and climate impact is good. ITS and CAM have the potential to improve the traffic flow and therefore reduce CO2 emissions. Some
impacts on the environment and climate are properly analysed. Furthermore, the proposal demonstrates the strong commitment of the partners to tackle climate
change. The deployed 5G network will follow guidelines to reduce GHG emissions and improve sustainability. The elaboration is made with reference to the
practices and procedures implemented by each of the MNO involved and is convincing.
The impact on safety, security and cybersecurity is good. CAM will increase safety. The proposal also contributes to the interoperability and accessibility of
connectivity infrastructures.
The innovation and digitalisation impact is good. By implementing 5G the project will contribute to innovation and digitalisation. 5G based CAM will enable new
services and a better 5G coverage in the area will foster innovative services for citizens and industry.
The location impact is very good. The proposal addresses 5G implementations in the North Sea Baltic corridor at the border of Lithuania and Latvia and also at the
border of Latvia and Estonia.
Criterion 5 - Catalytic effect
Score: 4.50 (Threshold: 3 / 5.00 , Weight: - )
The detailed criteria are set out in the call conditions (see Call document).
The catalytic effect of the proposed project is very good because the proposed investment will be made in “challenging areas” where there is an indication of market
failure.
Generally cross border areas are sparsely populated and there is a lack of necessary infrastructure deployment. Estimations suggest no return of investments within
the next five years. Without public funding probably no sufficiently dense 5G network for CAM would be installed. However, the proposal does not provide
concrete figures.
It is expected that the EU funding will facilitate and accelerate the introduction of 5G for CAM and ITS.
It is also foreseen that EU funding will contribute to increase confidence in investors and public funding agencies, encouraging them to explore investment
opportunities and allocate funds to further develop the region. However, the capacity to trigger additional investments, or the existence of other leverage effects,
have not been sufficiently justified in the proposal.
Scope of the proposal
Status: Yes
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Comments (in case the proposal is out of scope)
Not provided
Exceptional funding
Entities from countries mentioned in the work programme (if any) are only exceptionally eligible, if the granting authority considers their
participation essential for the implementation of the action.
Please list the concerned applicants and requested grant amount and explain the reasons why.
Based on the information provided, the following participants should receive exceptional funding:
N/A
Based on the information provided, the following participants should NOT receive exceptional funding:
N/A
Global project (including projects of common interest (PCI)) (if applicable)
Status: Yes
If YES, specify which one:
The proposed project is a key cross border infrastructure project for large scale deployment of 5G to enable CAM: Tallinn-Riga-Kaunas-LT/PLborder, of common
interest in the indicative list of 5G corridors and cross-border backbone connections, more concisely for Core network corridor “North Sea - Baltic".
If NO, specify why not:
Not provided
Synergetic elements (if applicable)
Status: No
If YES, specify which one:
Not provided
Digital security (if applicable)
Status: No
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Associated with document Ref. Ares(2024)5728137 - 08/08/2024
If NO, specify why not and provide recommendations to address the digital security requirements:
The proposal does not appropriately address the security requirements of the call. The security measures mentioned in different sections of the proposal are not
sufficiently specific to the security requirements of the call.
The content of security declarations is not consistent with the measures proposed to address the security requirements of the call. Each applicant presents in its
security declaration its own cybersecurity measures and practices, and how it complies with cybersecurity regulations.
The proposal and the applicants should consider the following recommendations to adequately address the security requirements of the call:
1) Involvement of high-risk suppliers: some measures to address this security requirement, such as the compliance to national regulations, ISO/IEC 27001
certification, use of a procurement process, etc. are presented. However, they are not sufficiently detailed. The proposal should assess the risk profile of suppliers
involved based on several criteria defined in the EU Toolbox on 5G cybersecurity, in particular the ‘likelihood of the supplier being subject to interference from a
non-EU country’ that may be facilitated by the presence of factors such as: a strong link between the supplier and a government of a given third country; the third
country’s legislation, especially where there are no legislative or democratic checks and balances in place; the characteristics of the supplier’s corporate ownership;
the ability for the third country to exercise any form of pressure, including in relation to the place of manufacturing of the equipment.
2) Measures to promote supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy: the proposed measures do not adequately address supply chain resilience. The proposal
should consider measures during the selection of suppliers and service providers to ensure supply chain resilience, including technical, legal and organizational
measures to mitigate risks impacting the continuity of provided services. Risks related to major dependencies on individual suppliers or interdependencies with
critical infrastructures should be assessed and the associated mitigation measures should be defined. Adequate resilience and continuity plans including the
identification of critical dependencies should be defined and implemented.
3) Security requirements for the network operators: the proposal does not sufficiently detail the security measures for the network operators. One applicant (Tele2)
has implemented an information security management system based on ISO/IEC 27001, and another one is intending to implement it (Elisa Estonia), which is
relevant but the implemented security measures are not clearly defined. Baseline security measures should be implemented based on risk assessment. Such technical
and organizational measures should include: authentication and access control measures, rules on secure network operation and monitoring, software integrity,
patch management, limitations on outsourcing of specific functions, introducing conditions in tendering processes and security requirements in supplier agreements.
The robustness and resilience of the network infrastructure should also be assessed, including its active and passive components (e.g. via security certifications).
4) Measures adopted to prevent unsolicited transfer to, or access by, third parties of the data stored or transported in the context of the project: The proposal should
consider technical measures such as encryption of data at rest, in use and in transit; encryption key management solutions; data anonymization and
pseudonymization for personal data; as well as organisational measures such as demonstrated intra-organisational policies aiming at minimization of data sharing,
transparency, collaboration on claims for access to the data and accountability; legal measures such as the creation of audit rights for the data proprietors on data
protection and data security should also be considered.
Higher funding rate (if applicable)
Status: Yes
If YES, does the action fulfil the conditions as defined in the Call document, i.e. concerns:
- CEF Transport:
- cross-border links (50%; if applicable)
- cross-border links with integrated management (55%/90%; if applicable)
- railway links between cohesion countries (85%; if applicable)]
- railway links between cohesion countries with integrated management (90%; if applicable)
- a military mobility project with a Member State contribution within the meaning of Article 4(13) of the CEF Regulation (85%; if applicable)
- CEF Energy:
- provides a high degree of regional of EU wide security of supply, strengthens the solidarity of the EU or comprises highly innovative solutions as
defined in the TEN-E Regulation (‘security of supply/solidarity/innovation’) (75%; if applicable)
- CEF Digital:
- connecting socio-economic drivers (75%; if applicable)
- strong cross-border dimension (50%; if applicable)
Yes
Give reasons:
The higher funded rate is justified. Applicants signaled this option requesting 50% due to its cross border nature. While the project runs in 3 countries its
deployment can benefit 5 countries (extending to Poland and Finland).
Project budget
Do you have general comments on the project budget?
The budget requested looks reasonable for the planned activities. The costs related to human resources (FTEs) are properly addressed and seem reasonable.
For Works calls (Infrastructure Projects) with multiple funding rates, have the costs been allocated to the correct budget categories (works in
outermost regions and studies)?
Not provided
Overall comments
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If the proposal is retained for funding the following aspects should be taken into consideration during Grant Agreement preparation:
The risk management plan and the governance structure and strategies should be clarified and detailed.
The budget breakdown needs to be presented in greater detail.
The communication plan needs to be further elaborated.
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