Brussels, 19/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 19 April, the European Commission launched a public consultation of member states and stakeholders to find out their views on the forthcoming revision of 2009 rules on the public financing of broadband infrastructure in Europe. Rapid technological progress may prove that revision is necessary in this field and if this proves to be the case, the Commission is expected to pursue its objectives in this sector, which include greater investment and improving competition.
The consultation launched on Tuesday will therefore enable the Commission to obtain information about the experience acquired by the stakeholders for improving broadband since 2009. Stakeholders are asked to reply by 31 August to a detailed questionnaire on the development of very high speed broadband technologies and how best to design the access conditions on subsidised next generation networks, as well as the enhancement of transparency of state aid broadband measures and the role of the national regulatory authorities in such projects. In the light of the replies it receives, the Commission will then evaluate whether and to what extent changes are necessary to the guidelines of September 2009. If appropriate, the Commission will come forward with new draft guidelines in early 2012. Member states and stakeholders will again have the opportunity to express their views on this revised proposal.
The 2009 guidelines outline the criteria for allocating public funds towards zones where private investment is insufficient for ensuring rapid implementation of fast and very fast broadband by mapping out these zones. In 2010, the Commission approved more than €1.8 billion in state aid to speed up this implementation. (F.G./transl.fl)