What is an ICT installation and when is it compulsory in Valencia?

ICT (Infraestructura Común de Telecomunicaciones — Common Telecommunications Infrastructure) is the set of installations, equipment and elements required for all users in a building to access telecommunications services: DTT, satellite, telephone and broadband internet.

In practice, the ICT is the 'plumbing' of a building's telecoms: the cabling, conduits, telecoms cabinets, amplifiers, splitters and all the elements that ensure every flat or commercial unit can connect to telecommunications services.

A complete ICT installation in a Valencia building includes the following elements:

• Telecommunications Installation Enclosures (RITI/RITS): cabinets or enclosures at the bottom and top of the building housing the main equipment.
• Signal reception system: DTT antenna and satellite dish on the building rooftop.
• Distribution network: the main cabling running from the rooftop down to the cabinets on each floor.
• Dispersal network: cabling from the floor cabinets to each dwelling.
• Internal user network: cabling within each dwelling to the telecoms outlets.
• Active equipment: amplifiers, multiswitches and splitters needed to guarantee signal quality at every point.

ICT is compulsory in the following cases in Valencia and throughout Spain:

• New-build properties: all buildings constructed from the year 2000 onwards must have ICT compliant with current regulations. Without ICT, the occupancy licence cannot be issued.
• Integral refurbishments: when a complete refurbishment affects the structure or facade, adapting the ICT to current standards is compulsory.
• Contracting new services: if a residents' community in Valencia wants to contract new telecoms services (fibre, satellite, etc.), the installation may need adapting.

The ICT installation process in Valencia follows these phases:

• How much does an ICT project cost in Valencia? The cost depends on the size of the building and the complexity of the installation. For residential buildings, indicative prices range from 3,000 to 15,000 €, depending on the number of flats and services to be included.
• Who can carry out an ICT installation? Only telecommunications installers registered with the Ministry of Economy can carry out and sign off ICT installations. Ismael holds this registration.
• Is an ICT certificate required to rent a flat? It is not required for renting, but some telecoms operators may require it to provide services in the building.
• Can fibre be installed without ICT? It depends on the operator and the building. Some operators can install fibre in older buildings without ICT, but compliance is always recommended for a future-proof installation.