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Europa-UK smart metering, digital radio and WiFi plans unlocked: GBP 190m European Investment Bank backing for Arqiva investment
[July 24, 2014]

Europa-UK smart metering, digital radio and WiFi plans unlocked: GBP 190m European Investment Bank backing for Arqiva investment


(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 24 July 2014 Release date- 23072014 - Europe's long-term lending institution, the European Investment Bank, has agreed to provide GBP 190 million to support investment by Arqiva in a range of new critical national infrastructure projects.



This includes the roll out of smart metering across the north of England and Scotland, as well as the expansion of digital radio, the rollout of the new T2 muxes and further WiFi connectivity.

Phil Moses, CFO of Arqiva said of the investment, 'Arqiva is central to the way people and businesses use technology every day. Reliability and security of our infrastructure is core to our ability to meet the increasing demands for this digital connectivity. The investment by the European Investment Bank affords us this long-term commitment to connectivity for everyone.' Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President added that 'Continued investment in innovative communications technology is essential to improving connectivity, digital literacy, and consumer choice. The European Investment Bank recognises the diverse benefits of investment by Arqiva in the latest transmission equipment that will help reduce energy bills through national use of smart meters and enable dedicated communications for specialist users. This investment builds on the European Investment Bank's past engagement to support telecommunications across Europe.' Over the last five years the European Investment Bank has provided more than EUR 2 billion in long-term loans to support investment in improved communications infrastructure across Europe. This included communications related investment covering wireless broadband, fixed and mobile telecommunications, research and development and information technology.


Background information: The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets. The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind mobile telecommunications, television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK's four mobile network operators, and the emergency services.

Press contact: EIB: Richard Willis, [email protected], +352 621 555 758 Website: www.eib.org/press - Press Office: +352 4379 21000 - [email protected] Twitter: @EIBtheEUbank Arqiva: Kathryn Finch, [email protected], +44 330 303 6816 Website: www.arqiva.com Twitter: @arqiva (c) 2014 Electronic News Publishing -

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