Network management Toolkit

Promote broadband, EU tells public sector

Kablenet.com

Published: 13 May 2004 13:10 BST

Governments across Europe should "aggregate" their public sector demand for broadband services in order to stimulate take-up, according to the European Commission.

The Commission, in a report adopted on 12 May, 2004, says that broadband use has grown by 80 percent over the past year but progress needs to be maintained. Its emphasis on public services reflects the policy of the UK government, which has also advocated aggregation as a way of boosting take-up.

It says there is a "role for public authorities" in areas where markets do not deliver necessary investment. Along with national broadband strategies, authorities should ensure that organisations such as schools, hospitals and public libraries have access to the technology.

The public sector "can help to make the business case for investment" says the report and "once broadband access is provided, it can also be used by local businesses and citizens".

Also public authorities can stimulate demand "by putting more of their own services online -- from making tax returns and searching local databases to using broadband in education or healthcare," it says.

The report finds that broadband take-up is now greater in the EU than the US, although countries like South Korea and Canada are making more progress.

"Wider, faster access to the Internet is essential to deliver the full promise of the information society," said Erkki Liikanen, European commissioner for the information society and enterprise policy. "This is not about systems and technology, but about providing solutions for citizens, businesses and government.

"It can help to increase choice and boost productivity. We have seen impressive rates of growth, particularly in some of the larger member states such as France and Italy. But the momentum needs to be maintained, particularly by ensuring competitive markets and the right regulatory conditions for investment."