Press Release: State aid: Commission consults on draft Guidelines for broadband networks

The European Commission published, for public consultation, draft Guidelines on the application of EU state aid rules to public funding of broadband networks. The key issue for discussion concerns the public financing of very high speed, so-called 'next generation access networks'. Member States and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their views on the proposed text by 22 June 2009. On the basis of the comments received, the Commission intends to adopt definitive Broadband Guidelines later this year.