Connectivity in public centers 2026: what changes for ICT providers

Key data

The autonomous communities, together with Ceuta and Melilla, see the conditions under which they receive and execute connectivity grants for reference public centers modified. Real Decreto 267/2026, published on April 2, 2026, updates the framework established by Real Decreto 987/2021 within the Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.

For private companies in the technology and telecommunications sector, this amendment does not create direct obligations, but it does open or redefine business opportunities as suppliers for the projects that regional administrations will need to put out to tender.

What does this regulation establish?

Royal Decree 267/2026 amends Real Decreto 987/2021, which approved the direct award of grants to autonomous communities and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla to strengthen connectivity in reference public centers. Here is a comparison between both regulations:

The public centers benefiting from these actions include hospitals, educational centers and public offices. Regional administrations are responsible for executing the actions and tendering the contracts necessary to carry them out.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact on private companies is limited: this regulation does not create costs or obligations for the private sector. However, the indirect impact for ICT and telecommunications providers can be significant.

• New tenders: Adjustments in amounts or deadlines may translate into new public contracts or the reopening of procurement processes in the autonomous communities.
• Updated technical requirements: If the amendment includes new technical standards, providers will need to ensure they comply in order to compete for tenders.
• Execution deadlines: A possible extension of deadlines may give leeway to projects that were at risk of not being executed, creating opportunities for providers that had not previously been able to participate.
• European funds framework: Being part of the Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, these grants are subject to the control and audit requirements specific to European funds, which affects procurement procedures.

Who is affected?

• Autonomous communities: They are the direct recipients of the grants and responsible for executing the connectivity projects.
• Ceuta and Melilla: Expressly included as beneficiaries alongside the autonomous communities.
• Technology and telecommunications companies: They can benefit as suppliers in the public contracts arising from the funded projects.
• Hospitals and public health centers: As reference centers targeted by the connectivity improvements.
• Public educational centers: Included among the reference public centers that are beneficiaries.
• Public offices: Also contemplated as recipients of the connectivity reinforcement actions.

Practical example

A telecommunications company that was already providing connectivity services to an autonomous community under contracts derived from Real Decreto 987/2021 must review whether the amendment introduced by Royal Decree 267/2026 alters the execution deadlines or technical requirements of ongoing projects.

If the amendment extends the execution deadlines, the company may have more time to complete the infrastructure installation in the assigned educational centers or hospitals. If, on the other hand, technical requirements are updated, it will need to verify that its solution remains compliant before continuing with the execution of the contract.

For an ICT company that has not yet participated in these projects, the amendment may mean the opening of new tenders in autonomous communities where the funds had not yet been executed, representing a direct business opportunity.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the full text of Royal Decree 267/2026: Identify exactly which aspects of Real Decreto 987/2021 have been amended: amounts, deadlines or technical requirements.
2. Monitor regional tenders: Check the public procurement platforms of each autonomous community to detect new contracts arising from this amendment.
3. Verify technical compliance: If already participating in active projects, confirm that the technical requirements of the solution offered remain compliant with the new conditions.
4. Contact regional administrations: Companies with prior relationships with the autonomous communities can get ahead by directly consulting what operational changes they anticipate as a result of this amendment.
5. Update tender documentation: Review that technical data sheets, certifications and commercial proposals are aligned with the possible new requirements before competing for new contracts.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-7445