Regional Directorate for Communications and Digital Transition






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Welcome Note

The Regional Directorate for Communications and Digital Transition (DRCTD) has as its mission the coordination and development of actions leading to the implementation of regional policies in the area of communications, information systems and technologies, cybersecurity and digital transition.

Its main guiding principles aim to ensure the implementation and operation of the computing and data storage infrastructures of the Regional Government, as well as to develop a regional strategy to achieve the Digital Transition in the various departments and services of the Regional Government and in the various sectors of the Region's economy.

The DRCTD is also responsible for the development of a regional cybersecurity strategy as well as for the operation of an efficient and effective protection and defence system against threats originating in cyberspace.

We are committed to monitoring and ensuring the implementation of the project for the replacement of the Submarine Fibre Optic Cable Ring carrying communications between Mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira (CAM Ring). This an essential infrastructure for the socio-economic development of the Azores as it connects us to the rest of the world. Therefore, it is our commitment to ensure that whoever has this responsibility will fulfil it within the timeframe already defined and within a timeline that will not be detrimental to the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

"Welcome to the Regional Directorate for Communications and Digital Transition"

The introduction of new technologies, such as 5G, as well as the mitigation of asymmetries in the mobile communications network coverage and access to fibre optic networks, require our full commitment and dedication to defending the interests of our Region. We are determined to ensure that all Azoreans have access to communications products and services under the same technological and commercial conditions as those in Mainland Portugal.

In the context of Digital Transition, the integration of solutions, their suitability and the optimisation of the efficiency of services and their relations with citizens and companies, along with their simplification, are our main goals. We also aim to support and promote digital transition in the different areas of the Azorean economy.

Also, within the scope of our competences, we intend to ensure the improvement of the quality and efficiency of the postal services provided in our Region.

Committed to meeting the concerns and aspirations of all Azoreans in matters related to communications and cybersecurity, we are available to receive your suggestions, comments and doubts at our email [email protected].

Regional Government promotes modernisation of local government with 3.5 million Euros in funding
Nota de Imprensa
June 13, 2025
Regional Government promotes modernisation of local government with 3.5 million Euros in funding
The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Communications and Digital Transition, will allocate €3.5 million in financial support to 13 municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (AMRAA) under the SIMA + Local programme. This initiative falls within the regional strategy for the digital transition and the improvement of public service efficiency, covering, in this case, Azorean municipalities and parish councils. SIMA + Local aims to promote the empowerment of regional authorities through technological solutions that will improve the quality of services provided to Azorean citizens and companies, ensuring greater proximity, accessibility, and transparency. The support granted amounts to 3,527,218.32 million Euros, excluding VAT, and corresponds to 100% of the eligible investment. It is intended for the applications now approved by AMRAA and the municipalities of Corvo, Lagoa, Lajes do Pico, Madalena, Nordeste, Ponta Delgada, Praia da Vitória, Ribeira Grande, Santa Cruz das Flores, São Roque do Pico, Velas, Vila do Porto and Vila Franca do Campo. This will ensure support for the implementation of structural projects in the areas of information system interoperability, information security, cybersecurity, process automation, and digital training for human resources. For the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, this investment "reiterates  the Regional Government's commitment to a modern, efficient, and citizen-centred public administration." "The empowerment of Azorean municipalities and parishes is crucial at a time of global technological disruption," stated Artur Lima. "Local authorities work closely with the population. Promoting their administrative modernisation brings added value to the daily lives of all Azoreans and the economic fabric of the Region," he stressed. This support line also "strengthens territorial cohesion and reduces disparities in the Azores," concluded the Vice-President of the Government. The initiative is funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) under the "Modernisation and Digital Transformation of Regional Public Administration" investment (C19-i06-RAA). It represents a decisive step in the digital transformation of local governance in the Azores.
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Azores discuss good digital practices at international conference
Nota de Imprensa
October 10, 2024
Azores discuss good digital practices at international conference
The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Communications and Digital Transition, attended the international conference "On Digital and the Outermost Regions of the European Union," which took place between October 1 and 3 in Saint-Denis, Réunion Island. Organised by the University of La Réunion, the initiative was attended by experts and representatives of the European Commission and the European Union's Outermost Regions (ORs). The Autonomous Region of the Azores representation shared its digital strategy, highlighting the progress made in terms of connectivity and digital infrastructures. The Regional Government is ensuring a high-quality digital connectivity infrastructure, namely the implementation of the new Atlantic CAM submarine cable system, the replacement of the Inter-island Ring and the mooring of the NUVEM cable; the latter places the Region as a strategic connectivity point between Europe and the American continent. The progress made in creating a robust digital infrastructure was also highlighted, such as the Azores Cloud. This initiative aims to ensure data sovereignty and the modernisation of Information Technology infrastructures in the archipelago. The Azorean participation was an important contribution to the continuity of cooperation among the Outermost Regions and the development of common strategies for digital transformation, consolidating the role of the Azores as an active and innovative partner in the European digital ecosystem. The Azores now have a wealth of knowledge and experience in areas such as cybersecurity, data sovereignty and the digitisation of public services. The meeting convened approximately forty speakers from various European outermost regions to discuss the implementation of effective digital practices tailored to the specific contexts and needs of each region.
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