Following the successful establishment of United Fiber in Greece in 2021, United Group, Nova’s parent company, continues to develop its infrastructure in the European Union (Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia) under the United Fiber brand.

Starting with the establishment in Slovenia in March 2024, followed by Bulgaria and Croatia by the end of this year, the Group is focused on further accelerating and strengthening its infrastructure in the particularly important region of Southeast Europe. The modern network infrastructure will connect Europe with the Middle East and Asia, responding to the great need for data transfer between the Group’s markets. The new generation ultra-high-speed and stable network will meet the high demand of individuals and businesses across South East Europe.

Zeljko Batistić, United Group’s Vice President Technology, said: “At United Group we have the required knowledge and experience to build and develop state-of-the-art fixed telephony and internet infrastructures. In 2000 we started from scratch in Serbia and two decades later we became the largest fiber optic network in Southeast Europe. Already in our four European Union markets – Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria and Slovenia – United Group has 60,000 kilometers of FTTH and FTTC fiber network.

Our state-of-the-art landline and internet network in these markets reaches 3.6 million homes and we are currently implementing our plan to connect 475,000 new homes to fiber optic (FTTH) by 2024, with the aim of continuing with the same rate in the coming years as well. Our vision is to become the first choice, both for individuals, businesses, and the wider public sector, as well as to actively participate in the digital transformation of the markets where we operate. With this integration and United Fiber’s implementation plan, we can further expand our operations, creating significant synergies, further enhancing the return on our investments. Through specialized promotion and support, we are able to serve our customers even better.”

In a related announcement, it is emphasized that United Fiber in Greece has played an essential role in the implementation of the Group’s strategy for infrastructure development. The company has succeeded in accelerating operations with fiber optic penetration in its proprietary network reaching 20% ​​(compared to 8% nationwide), offering ultra-high speeds.

In Bulgaria, United Group has the largest FTTH fiber optic network in the country, reaching 50% of all households, with the goal of expanding to 67% by 2028.

In Croatia, approximately 80,000 households are being added annually with the aim of expanding to 40% of all households by 2028. In Slovenia, the Group has the second largest 10 Gbps ultra-high speed network covering approximately 50% of all households in the country.

A new United Fiber infrastructure project will develop the Athens-Thessaloniki interconnection, connecting Southeastern Europe with Western European hubs. The project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, will enhance existing connections with Turkey, the Middle East and Bulgaria, enhancing connectivity between Greece and Turkey.

The wholesale activities of the project will be managed by the Group’s subsidiary, United Group International (UGI). Just three years after its launch, UGI has attracted the largest operators and technology providers, who choose United Group to meet their connectivity needs in the wider region. UGI is also responsible for the commercial exploitation of the Athens – Thessaloniki network.

Paolo Ficini, CEO of UGI emphasized: “With the creation of this ground-breaking new interconnection, United Group demonstrates in practice its commitment to become the largest fiber optic network provider in Southeast Europe, enhancing competitiveness, creating new investment opportunities and accelerating the digital transformation of all countries involved. The project responds to growing demand stemming from significant investment in new data centers in the region, as well as submarine cables on Greece’s southern border.”