The BCO Network of partners

What Can We Contribute?

• We CONNECT you with public and private stakeholders and identify the right contact point for your specific inquiries.
• We FACILITATE the planning, financing and implementation of your broadband-related projects.
• We INFORM you about the newest developments in connectivity, financing opportunities and the applicable regulatory framework at European, national and regional level.

Structural Partners

BIPT

The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) is the regulator for the electronic communications and postal sectors in Belgium. Its mission is to promote a competitive and sustainable market, protecting the interests of consumers and businesses. BIPT regulates and controls postal services, telecommunications services, and radio frequencies to ensure fair competition.

BIPT also issues licences to telecom operators and monitors compliance with laws and regulations. In addition, BIPT fosters innovation and technological progress within the sector. It handles complaints from consumers and businesses, and it implements measures to improve the quality of services.

BIPT plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and efficient communications infrastructure in Belgium.

Consumers | BIPT

European BCO Network

The European BCO Network brings together EU Member States’ national and regional public authorities in charge of broadband deployment. It aims to exchange knowledge and good practices with peers, experts, and European Commission representatives, building their capacity to bring reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity to all EU citizens.

The purpose of the initiative is to help ensure that all EU citizens have access to high-speed broadband, in order to allow everyone to benefit equally from the opportunities connectivity brings, for health, education, businesses, and more.

Broadband Competence Offices (BCOs) Network | Shaping Europe’s digital future (europa.eu)

Brulocalis

BRULOCALIS regularly organises training courses, workshops, and conferences for (municipal) civil servants to enhance their skills and knowledge. It also offers specific training courses focusing on current challenges and innovations within local government. These activities allow BRULOCALIS to promote professional development and capacity building within the Brussels municipalities.

An important aspect of its work is to act as a bridge between local authorities and the higher government levels, such as the regional and federal authorities. This ensures that the interests of Brussels municipalities are better represented in policy decisions. It also encourages cooperation and knowledge-sharing between different municipalities, which contributes to stronger and more integrated local governance.

Moreover, Brulocalis offers practical support for the implementation of new laws and regulations, and helps municipalities with the development of strategic plans and projects. Brulocalis lends comprehensive support, thus contributing to the sustainable development of Brussels and the well‑being of its residents. The goal is to make a positive difference in the daily lives of Brussels citizens through stronger and more effective local governance.

brulocalis.brusselsl (available in Dutch and French)

AdN

The ‘Agence du Numérique’ (AdN) is the public institution in Wallonia responsible for designing and steering Digital Wallonia, Wallonia’s digital strategy, with the aim of accelerating the region’s digital transformation. Through its governance, monitoring, transformation and promotion missions, AdN is committed to a collective future through inclusive, responsible and sustainable digitalisation at the service of Wallonia.

AdN also positions itself as a ‘Data & Services Agency’ (DSA). It aims to become the reference in digital applications for Walloon public services, through an approach that focuses on data and services while guaranteeing technological neutrality. Control over territorial data is a key issue for Wallonia’s sovereignty. This control must enable true data governance. That is why the agency, together with several partners, has launched Data 4 Wallonia, which revolves around the dynamics of territorial intelligence.

The ‘Digital Wallonia’ strategy is built around 5 major ambitions: intelligent territory, digital innovation, digital economy, digital governance and digital use. As part of the ‘intelligent territory’ ambition, AdN and its partners are implementing the Giga Région programme, which aims to guarantee a very high-speed fixed and mobile internet connection for all citizens and businesses in Wallonia.

More information: www.adn.be and www.digitalwallonia.be  (available in French)

Project Partners

UVCW

The UVCW, or Union des Villes et Communes de Wallonie, is an organisation in Wallonia, Belgium, representing the interests of cities and towns in this region. The UVCW provides support and advice to local authorities and promotes cooperation between them. Their tasks and activities include:

• Advocacy: The UVCW represents the interests of cities and municipalities to regional, federal and European authorities. This can include legislation, funding, and policy issues affecting local governments.
• Support and advice: The UVCW provides legal, technical and administrative support to local governments. This can include advice on legislation, grants, and municipal administration.
• Training and education: The organisation provides training and education sessions for municipal staff and local politicians to help them perform their duties and increase their knowledge on relevant topics.
• Networking and cooperation: The UVCW facilitates networking and cooperation between different cities and municipalities to promote exchange of knowledge and experiences.

In essence, the UVCW acts as a bridge between local governments and higher levels of government, supporting cities and towns in their day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

You can find more information on the website of the UVCW

www.uvcw.be 

VVSG

The Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG = Vereniging van Vlaamse Steden en Gemeenten) plays a crucial role in supporting local governments in rolling out broadband infrastructure.

• Working together with the FPS Economy and other partners, the VVSG strives for a future in which every municipality has access to fast and reliable internet connections.
• This is essential for the digital transformation of our cities and towns, and contributes to economic growth and social inclusion.
• The VVSG offers advice, shares best practices and organises training to strengthen local governments in their digital ambitions. Their efforts enable municipalities to be more responsive to the needs of citizens and businesses.

The collaboration with the Broadband Competence Office is an important step in realising these goals. Together, we are building a digital Flanders where everyone is on board. The VVSG remains committed to innovation and progress, with an eye on sustainability and inclusiveness. Through these joint efforts, we are making Flanders a leader in digital connectivity.

www.vvsg.be