37 * grids; * the mapping of the current electronic communications network infrastructure. Additionally, the detailed description of the actions required in these areas is included in NextGeneration Broadband Electronic Communications Network Development Concept for 2013202033. 5.2.1 Transport Networks Transport network is the part of the electronic communication network with a high throughput, which is designed to provide data transmission between the grid and the “last mile” (subscriber line). One of the problems identified in the research34 conducted by the Ministry of Transport is the lack of high-quality high-speed transport network. Electronic communications networks in Latvia have not been built in sufficient amount, as well as existing networks often are not capable to provide the necessary amount of data throughput. Without the developed transport network infrastructure, it will be impossible to transfer the information volume generated by the next-generation networks. Also, an opposite connection exists – electronic communications merchants will not be interested in the development of the next-generation access network subscriber lines, if there will not be an appropriate transport network infrastructure.35 In order to address the problems identified in relation to electronic communications transport network, the Ministry of Transport and the EC in 2011 agreed on Optical Network National Assistance Programme (NAP) (November 9, 2011 EC Decision No. C(2011)7699; the EC State aid case number – SA.33324(2011/N)), which provides building of fibre optic electronic communications network and creation of optical access points in municipalities that do not have optical network connection and where none of the merchants intend to create such in immediate future. In order to fully realise the NAP, the total amount of state aid that is required for the development of the optical transport network within the Optical network NAP is 71.5 million LVL. JSC “Latvian State Radio and Television Centre” has been determined as the developer of Optical Network NAP, and is required to provide open access to established infrastructure and in order to avoid possible competition distortions, restrictions in accordance with the NAP and the EC decision have been defined. Implementation of Optical Network NAP is envisaged in two stages. Phase 1 of Optical Network NAP has been launched and Cabinet Regulation No. 79 “Regulation on operational programme “Infrastructure and Services” adopted on 24 January 2012, amendment point’s 3.2.2.3 activity “Provision of Equal Availability of Electronic Communications Services Throughout the Country 33 Cabinet Order No. 589 “Next-Generation Broadband Electronic Communications Network Development Concept for 2013-2020” adopted 7 December 2013 34 Consultation material on the infrastructure development project of electronic communication optical transport network (“middle mile”) http://www.sam.gov.lv/satmin/content/?cat=451&art_id=2384 35 Next-Generation Broadband Electronic Communications Network Development Concept for 2013-2020 (Cabinet Order No. 589 “Next-Generation Broadband Electronic Communications Network Development Concept for 20132020” adopted 7 December 2013) information_society_development_guidelines_2014_2020.docx; Information Society Development Guidelines 2014-2020