Broadband policies, programs and projects in Europe
eEurope 2005:
The eEurope 2005 Action Plan recognizes the importance of broadband to unroll the next generation of on-line services, and the social potential of multi-platform access. Indeed, there is a TV set in every living room, and a mobile phone in almost every pocket. Multi-platform access matters, because it´s key to inclusion. Broadband is not simply a faster way to connect to the Internet - it fundamentally changes the way people use the internet. Connections are immediate and large volumes of data can be almost instantly transmitted. The Internet´s overall presentation changes, moving from the currently slow, and often user-unfriendly text format, to a fast, colourful system combining still images, video, animations and sound. A widespread secure broadband infrastructure is essential for the development and delivery of services and applications such as eHealth, eBusiness, eGovernment and eLearning, making broadband crucial to European growth and quality of life in the years ahead. The eEurope 2005 Action Plan set an ambitious target: "widespread broadband availability and use in the EU by 2005".Connecting Europe at high speed: recent developments in the sector of electronic communications
(EU Communication COM(2004) 61 final). |
| France |
|---|
Pau Broadband Country:
Launched in April 2002 with a budget of 35 millions Euros; FTTH : 100 megabits/s for 30 Euros/month (opening in january 2004); the network belongs to the local authority; Wifisation of all the town (next year); 80% of households and 100% of companies will be connected in 3 years; Applications: Voip,Vod,web conferencing, Internet TV (with a « free access studio »); Data center & grid computing over 30.000 PC; Full e-administration, e-health, e-education; Dematerialization (signature, money, payments, tickets, coupons, etc.), « ambiant intelligence »; E-commerce with interactive 3D; Intelligent cars with intelligent roads and gasoline stations; Electronic arts school, E-learning Club. |
|
| Italy |
|---|
Broadband in Emilia-Romagna:
Goals: To create a modern communication network for local public administrations to allow for the appearance of innovative information systems with a technology life of (at least) 30 years and the availability of advanced services such as videocommunication; to promote a one-stop-shop approach for communication services for all local PA within the region; to make the region as a whole more competitive by improving and easing access to broadband services for businesses and citizens as well - having the telecommunication operators extend the infrastructure (last mile); to reduce the geographical digital divide. |
|
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
|---|
Broadband Aggregation Programme:
The Broadband Aggregation Programme was established to aggregate public sector demand for broadband at both regional and national levels. Demand aggregation is expected to offer a more attractive market for infrastructure providers and to facilitate better value deals, benefiting the private as well as the public sector through increased infrastructure build. The programme has created one national and nine regional aggregation bodies, now known as Adits.
Broadband for Scotland:
A joint initiative by the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, aims to provide independent and impartial advice to allow the people of Scotland to make an informed choice and benefit from broadband.
UK Ofcom wireless broadband update:
One of the core projects in Ofcom´s first annual strategic plan focuses on helping to drive forward broadband developments. The objective will be to promote effective and sustainable competition in the broadband market and encourage the investment necessary for continued roll out and upgrading infrastructure. A key priority will be to study the impact of broadband roll out, including the role that wireless could play in extending coverage and competition. Ofcom is examining alternative strategic approaches to meeting market demands for broadband spectrum access.
Southwest Broadband Programme of the Irish Republic
The Southwest Broadband Programme of the Irish Republic is developing a satellite fed broadband Wireless Local Area Networks in a number of participating locations. These locations such as Cahirsiveen and Bantry will include local hotspots as well as wireless signal transmitted via antennae at roof top levels.
Broadband Wales Programme:
The Broadband Wales Programme is the Welsh Assembly Government Flagship programme costing £115m and spanning over 5 years. Introduced to address the significant market failure within Wales, the programme is a holistic, balanced action plan addressing both supply and demand issues.
Digital Parish Project Hayfield
To bring low cost high speed internet and associated technology to rural areas to aid regeneration in a sustainable way to make information communication technology accessible to all and as one person said "I would love to be able to sit and feed the ducks and still have my ´office´ with me".
|
|
|
|
