The subdelegate of the Government in Lugo, Isabel Rodríguez, today claimed in the City of Chantada the commitment of the Government of Pedro Sánchez to promote the digitalization and territorial cohesion of the province, with special attention to those municipalities affected by the phenomenon of depopulation. “Chantada is a sign of the importance for this Government that the neighbors and neighbors of the province, regardless of where they live, have the same opportunities and the same services,” said Isabel Rodríguez, who recognized access to fast internet as “a top priority that we are attending to with the UNICO program.”
The deputy delegate held a meeting this morning in the City of Chantada with the mayor, Manuel Lorenzo Varela, to address the investments of the Government in the municipality and present the main lines available for ecological transition, housing, public administration, and also collect their demands and opinions.
During the visit, Isabel Rodríguez advanced that Chantada is included in the second call of the UNICO plan of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation for the provision of optical fiber throughout the province. Thus, thanks to this program, the Government will bring ultra-fast broadband to almost 600 areas of the municipality, valued at more than 500,000 euros, which due to their geographical situation and population dispersion do not currently have this technology.
As a result, the UNICO program directly benefits 1,500 households and businesses in Chantada. The subdelegate stressed that this project is a priority for the Government “because we are aware of the importance of ensuring good coverage throughout the territory, a transversal objective to combat depopulation in rural areas.”
The Ministry finances with this program up to 90% of the costs (technology, works, permits, etc.) incurred by technology companies to bring the high-speed connection to areas without coverage. Between the two calls for the UNICO Plan, the Government invests in the province of Lugo 22.5 million euros that will allow the Internet connection of more than 300mb to 84,500 homes and companies.
In relation to this, Isabel Rodríguez said that the Government comes from taking out the call for the UNICO Rural Demand Plan that will improve coverage in remote areas at an affordable price. This will be possible thanks to satellite technology awarded to Hispasat by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation and which will allow access to high speed in territories where fixed technology cannot be available at a price that cannot exceed 35 euros per month for the end users of the service.
Wine Fair
During the day, the subdelegate and the councilor outlined the safety device planned for the XL Feria del Viño, which will be held on 10, 11 and 12 March. As agreed at the meeting, the Civil Guard troops will intensify surveillance work to avoid incidents during the festival, the first wine event of the year in the Ribeira Sacra area and one of the most popular. This joint device with the Local Police will favor an agile and effective attention both to the neighborhood itself and to the visitors who approach Chantada on the days of celebration of the fair.