|
|
Abstract
Keynote Speech - European Community: Information Society Directorate General of the European Commission
Speaker: Mr. B. Barani, Head of Sector "Satellite Communications", EC INFSO E4
Abstract
Internet penetration in the EU is rapidly increasing. Still, the situations
of the various Member States are contrasted, with number of connected
households ranging from about 70% for the most advanced countries down to
about 10% for the less advanced one's. This situation is amplified in the
case of broadband Internet access, with EU Member States exhibiting
penetration rates significantly lower compared to leading countries such as
Canada.
The importance of Internet broadand access has been recognised at the level
of the European Union, when the European Council endorsed, earlier this
year, the 'e_Europe 2005 initiative proposed by the European Commission.
Considering the diversity of the various Member States, satellite
communications have a potential role to play for the provision of broadband
Internet access across the Union. Today, satellite systems are primarily
used in a profesional context, e.g to link ISP Points of Presence. The
technology has however the potential to evolve, towards the provision of
competitive 'mass market' and ubiquitou solutions. The presentation outlines
the main roadblocks to overcome for full realisation of the satcom potential
in the field of Internet broadbad access. It also outlines the supporting
actions at the level of the Union.
Biography
Bernard Barani graduated from the "ENST de Bretagne" in 1982. After a
couple of years in industry where he studied the applicability of
terrestrial protocols (SNA architecture) to satellite networks, he joined
the European Space Agency in 1987 to participate in the implementation of
the telecom programmes of the Agency, notably in the field of onboard
processing and satellite Digital Television. Since 1994, he is responsible
for the implementation of mobile and satellite research projects sponsored
by the Framework Programme of the European Union. He is currently head of
the Satellite sector in the 'Information Society' Directorate General of the
European Commission. |
|
|
