EC Underlines Importance Of Broadband Investment

Business & Finance - Investment

Wednesday, 13 October 2010 08:52

Written by Noel Cotter

Speaking in Dublin last evening, European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes outlined why European companies and public authorities can and must continue to invest in broadband despite the economic crisis.

In her speech at the Irish Telecoms and Internet Forum (TIF), Kroes said "We cannot afford not to invest. The crisis means we have to focus on changes that limit costs. But there are extremely efficient levers such as co-ordinating network roll-out with other public digging work (water pipes, electrical cables etc), and focussing on how wireless broadband can meet rural needs". "Overall we need a mix of technology, many sources of funding, and pragmatic co-operation by all stakeholders" to meet the EU target of broadband for all by the end of 2013.

Kroes is working with the European Investment Bank to leverage up to €30bn for additional broadband investments. Kroes also criticised the lack of take-up for broadband of EU funds such as the European Regional Development Fund and the low usage of relatively generous State Aid Guidelines for broadband: "Use the many levers at your disposal."

Finally, Kroes underlined how eGovernment, eLearning and eHealth services made possible by broadband networks all contributed to making optimum use of scarce public resources.