Brussels, 30/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - Satellites offer a solid, sustainable alternative to problems of broadband connectivity in remote areas, says the European Satellite Operators Association (ESOA). Reacting to the announcement by the European Commission on 28 January of a €1 billion provision to help rural communities get online (see EUROPE 9828), ESOA believes that, despite Commission efforts, it will be a long time before some parts of Europe have a terrestrial broadband connection. The reason is the lack of users which makes it commercially unattractive to put in place broadband lines. Satellites, which can already offer triple-play (voice telephony, broadband internet access and cable television) that is fully independent of terrestrial networks, provide tried and tested wireless technology that relies on solar power to reach users in even the most inaccessible regions. “They provide a universality of service that can be a real complementary solution to Europe's geographical divide, cutting across borders and covering the entire continent. I hope the Commission will recognise this in any guidelines it issues to member states,” said ESOA Chairman Giuliano Berretta. (I.L./transl.rt)