High-speed internet is a basic good that must be available to everyone, Europe's local and regional politicians said today in support of the 'Europe 2020' goal of bringing broadband access to every home by 2013.
High-speed internet is a basic good that must be available to everyone, Europe's local and regional politicians said today in support of the 'Europe 2020' goal of bringing broadband access to every home by 2013. Where markets fail to deliver this target, the public sector must be allowed to fill in the gap, argues Jean-François Istasse (BE/PES), member of the Parliament of the Belgian Communauté française and author of a Committee of the Regions report on the issue.
Speaking today after local and regional politicians from across Europe adopted his draft opinion on the 'digital dividend' and the future internet in the Committee of the Regions' Commission for education, youth, culture and research (EDUC), Istasse commented:
“The internet has become basic infrastructure, essential for everyday life and business. Still, many Europeans don't have access to broadband services at a reasonable price. This stifles both the quality of life and the chances for a swift economic recovery in these areas. The European Commission's 'Europe 2020' blueprint recognises this and aims to provide full broadband coverage by 2013. But we cannot rely on markets alone to deliver high-speed internet to rural areas, mountainous regions or islands. We therefore call on the European Commission to develop policies that acknowledge market failure and facilitate public initiatives to develop open networks in these areas.”
Universal broadband access for all Europeans has also become a more realistic vision due to recent technical developments. The rapporteur shares the European Commission's view that the ongoing switchover from analogue to digital television is a unique window of opportunity. The radio frequency spectrum freed by this switchover could also be used to supply wireless high-speed internet in remote areas. “This can increase the accessibility and quality of online services provided by local and regional authorities, and make it easier for local companies to market their products across Europe”, Istasse added.
As these wireless internet services will require more antennas than are used for TV broadcasting, Istasse also points out that their potential impact on town planning and the environment has to be taken into account: “In the EU it is usually local and regional authorities that are responsible for such matters, and the installation of antennas and masts can be a very sensitive issue for local communities. We therefore need to listen to the local level and strike the right balance between rolling out new networks and protecting the interests of our citizens”, Istasse concluded.
The draft opinion will be adopted by the Committee of the Regions plenary session on 14 and 15 April 2010.