“Broadband for all”: European Commission mobilises all its policy instruments to bridge the broadband gap

Press Release Brussels, 21 March 2006

The Commission considers wide broadband coverage in Europe as crucial for fostering growth and jobs in Europe. This is why EU telecoms legislation, structural and rural policy instruments need to be mobilised in full respect of state aid rules in a joint drive to bring high-speed “broadband” internet access to all Europeans, in particular to the EU’s less-developed areas. This is the conclusion of “Bridging the Broadband Gap”, a European Commission Communication presented today jointly by the European Commissioners for Information Society and Media, Competition, Regional Policy and Agriculture and Rural Development. Full Press Release