Technical

digital infrastructure

Networks, data centres, cloud and connectivity services.

How the laws define this

National authorities agree that the concept covers foundational physical and virtual assets—namely connectivity networks, cloud platforms, data centers, and compute resources—required to run digital services. The primary divergence lies in functional scope and target application. Iceland's AI Action Plan 2025-2027 narrowly focuses the concept on technological systems and compute resources needed specifically for developing and operating artificial intelligence. Conversely, the Proyecto de Ley Federal de Gobernanza Digital / Sistema Nacional de Gobernanza Digital confines its scope to components under federal control supporting public digital services. The Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 focuses on shared public spatial data platforms and digital mapping systems. Meanwhile, frameworks like National Programme 'Digital Bulgaria 2025', Digital Strategy for Cyprus 2020-2025, Estratégia Digital Nacional, Qatar Digital Agenda 2030, and Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia 2023–2026 adopt a broad scope covering nationwide broadband, 5G, and submarine cables.

Synthesised from the 9 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.

How jurisdictions differ

What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first. Showing 6 of the 9 instruments that define this term; all are listed under Definitions below.

JurisdictionInstrumentStatusWhat is distinctive
Hong KongSmart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0In ForceAdds specific examples like territory-wide 3D digital map and Common Spatial Data Infrastructure as foundational public systems for shared data, mapping and smart-city interoperability.
PortugalNational Digital StrategyIn ForceTreats connectivity and compute resources as strategic assets for targeted investments, procurement and resilience measures, guiding specific initiatives like submarine ring projects.
QatarQatar Digital Agenda 2030In ForceAdds backbone services and spectrum management alongside physical and cloud-based networks and data centers to support connectivity across the State of Qatar.
IcelandIceland's AI Action Plan 2025-2027In ForceLimits to foundational systems and networks specifically necessary for AI development, deployment, operation, innovation and data processing.
MexicoFederal Law on Digital Governance / National Digital Governance SystemProposedWidens to ensemble of all digital assets and technological components under federal control, including platforms, systems, hardware and software, subject to governance and security baselines.
CyprusDigital Strategy for Cyprus 2020-2025SupersededEmphasizes physical and virtual networking assets and backbone architectures for gigabit-ready connections and high-capacity paths, including fibre and 5G.

Definitions (9)

The physical and virtual assets enabling digital connectivity and services, including high-capacity broadband networks, data centres, cloud platforms, and related connectivity services that underpin digital public services and the digital economy.

Comprises the physical and virtual networking assets and backbone architectures required for digital services, including broadband, fibre, 5G networks, cloud infrastructure, and national connectivity components needed to deliver gigabit-ready connections and high-capacity communication paths.

Foundational public systems such as the territory-wide 3D digital map and the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure that provide shared data, mapping and platform foundations for smart-city services and interoperability.

A defined category covering nationwide connectivity (broadband, 5G, submarine cables) and compute resources (cloud and high‑performance computing) necessary for the digital transition; the EDN treats these components as strategic assets requiring targeted investments, procurement and resilience measures. The term guides infrastructure initiatives (e.g., submarine ring projects, national computing capacity) within the Action Plan.

Encompasses physical and cloud-based networks, data centers, backbone services, broadband and spectrum management required to support connectivity and platform delivery across the State of Qatar.

Qatar Digital Agenda 2030Definition 5 of 9

Describes the physical and virtual infrastructure components—connectivity networks, high‑performance computing (HPC), cloud services and data platforms—required to support digital services, research and enterprise digitalisation. The AP frames investment and readiness measures around this definition.

The ensemble of digital assets and technological components under federal control that constitute the operational backbone for public digital services, including platforms, networks, systems, hardware, software and cloud services subject to the System's governance and security baselines.

Digital infrastructure comprises the fundamental technological components and resources necessary for the development and operation of AI systems. This includes robust network connectivity, secure data storage, accessible data resources, and sufficient computing power.

The foundational technological systems and networks necessary for the development, deployment, and operation of AI. As outlined in the plan, strengthening digital infrastructure is crucial for supporting AI innovation, ensuring robust connectivity, and providing the computational resources required for advanced AI applications and data processing.

Not to be confused with

Solid infrastructure

Solid infrastructure refers specifically to backbone networks, data centres, and high-capacity access networks, while digital infrastructure covers a broader range of networks, data centres, cloud and connectivity services.

data infrastructure

Data infrastructure focuses on technical platforms and secure processing environments for data exchange, narrower than digital infrastructure's inclusion of networks, cloud and connectivity.

Questions and answers

What makes digital infrastructure strategic in Portugal's strategy?

Portugal's National Digital Strategy treats digital infrastructure as strategic assets needing targeted investments, procurement and resilience measures. It guides initiatives like submarine ring projects and national computing capacity.

Does digital infrastructure in Hong Kong include mapping systems?

Yes, Hong Kong's Smart City Blueprint defines it as foundational public systems including the territory-wide 3D digital map and Common Spatial Data Infrastructure for smart-city services.

How is digital infrastructure defined for AI in Iceland?

Iceland's AI Action Plan defines it as foundational technological systems and networks crucial for AI innovation, robust connectivity and computational resources for AI applications.