Hungarian and Greek telcos 4iG and Grim Telecom are partnering on two potential fiber projects.

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to “explore strategic collaboration” around wholesale telecommunications and cross-border digital infrastructure.

Under the MoU, the two firms will look to develop a high-capacity terrestrial optical fiber link between Albania and Greece.

The firm will also look to potentially find partners for the development of a new high-fiber-count subsea optical fiber cable system in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.

Full details of either project have not been shared.

Kostas Agathakis, executive chairman and general director of Grid, said: "Our collaboration with 4iG in building new complementary terrestrial and subsea telecommunications assets between Albania and the Greek mainland, extending to Crete and beyond, will support the implementation of a new digital corridor, extending eastwards to the Middle East, and westwards to major European destinations. Moreover, it will enhance the strategic role of Greece as a regional open-access interconnection node in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans.”

Founded in January 2019, Greek telco Grid Telecom’s network includes more than 6,000km (3,728 miles) of fiber terrestrial and subsea cables across Greece. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) of Greece. Much of Grid's terrestrial fiber is overhead Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) cables deployed on IPTO’s power grid transmission towers.

Grid currently operates the Apollo East and West subsea systems, launched last year, and landing outside Heraklion in Korakia in Crete and outside Megara in Pachi on the Greek mainland. It also operates the Minoas East and West Systems, linking Nopigia outside Chania in Crete to Neapoli Voion on the mainland. It has previously detailed plans for cable systems to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

László Blénessy, vice chairman at 4iG, added: “This MoU with Grid Telecom represents a significant step forward in strengthening regional digital connectivity. By combining our complementary infrastructure and expertise, we aim to deliver resilient high-capacity links that will support businesses and economic growth across the region.”

Founded as Freesoft in 1990, Budapest Stock Exchange-listed 4iG provides a number of telecoms and IT services, including software development, managed services, and cybersecurity, as well as data center and cloud management offerings.

The company owns local telco One in Albania, and has previously announced plans for the EAGLE (Egypt–Albania Gateway Link to Europe) subsea project, linking Egypt to Albania.