Press Release: High-speed internet access: Commission opens policy debate on closing the broadband gap

The European Commission on 14 July 2005 opened a public consultation on policy measures needed to bring high-speed internet access to Europe's under-served areas. Stakeholders, EU Member States and local/regional authorities were invited to contribute their views on the serious broadband challenge now facing Europe, as set out in a Commission staff working paper entitled 'Broadband access and public support in under-served areas'. High-speed and secure broadband networks were vital to the Commission's 'i2010' strategy for boosting growth and jobs in the digital economy.

European Commission: Information Society: i2010: Preparatory Work for i2010: 'Consultation Digital Divide Forum Report: Broadband access and public support in under-served areas', 15.7.05 http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/eeurope/i2010/docs/implementation/ddf_report_final.pdf

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