On Monday 12 December, the European Commission adopted a revised communication on State aid for broadband networks.
The revised guidelines (https://aeur.eu/f/4m2 ) align the threshold for public support for fixed networks with recent technological and market developments (see EUROPE 12836/8).
This will allow Member States to invest in areas where the market does not and is unlikely to offer end-users with a download speed of at least 1 Gbps and 150 Mbps for uploads. Public investment will have to at least triple the available download speed and, in areas where there is more competition, provide at least 1 Gbps download and 150 Mbps upload speeds.
In addition, they introduce a new assessment framework for the deployment of mobile (including 5G) networks. The new guidelines will allow Member States to support mobile networks in the absence of investment by private operators and other measures to ensure such networks, such as the coverage obligations linked to the use of some radio spectrum.
In addition, they explain how public support can be used to encourage the take-up of broadband services. The revised guidelines set out the compatibility criteria for social and connectivity vouchers. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)