The Contracting Authority estimates that the planned change will only apply to the contract period. The nature, scope and connection to the existing infrastructure will remain unchanged, and the fundamental character of the contract is therefore not changed. The contracting authority therefore deems that there is a basis for entering into an agreement for an extended contract period without holding a new competition. The contracting authority considers that the planned extension does not change the fundamental character of the contract and that there is a basis for signing an agreement on an extended contract period without holding a new competition. The assessment also emphasises that the original contract is expressly open for the parties to negotiate a contract for a longer term.