The European Parliament adopted a resolution on European Broadband: investing in digitally-driven growth following a Commission communication on this same subject.
1) Broadband for all: Parliament considers that the objective must be to establish EU global leadership in ICT infrastructure. In order to achieve this objective, 100% of basic broadband coverage must be delivered to all Europeans by 2013, giving at least 2Mbps service to all users in rural areas and much higher speeds to users in other areas.
It recalls the importance of realising the objectives of the Digital Agenda, i.e. ensuring that all EU citizens have access to broadband speeds of not less than 30Mbps by 2020 and making it possible for the EU to have the highest possible broadband speeds and capacity. It notes that, to be on track for the 100Mbps target, in 2015 around 15% of EU households should have subscriptions with at least that speed;
The resolution insists on the following issues:
2)Broadband for economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness: Parliament emphasises that broadband services are key to the competitiveness of EU industry and greatly contribute to EU economic growth, social cohesion and quality employment, as well as to the participation of all regions and social groups in digital life in the EU. The successful implementation of the ‘Broadband Package’ is critical to tackling unemployment, particularly among young people, by the provision of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe.
In this context, it believes that the combination of competition and carefully selected targets, in both infrastructure and services, provides the best basis for sustainable investment, innovation and take-up. It recommends promoting a competitive market for investment in, and utilisation of fixed and wireless broadband infrastructure.
Parliament regrets that the EUR 1 billion in funding announced in 2008 in the European economic recovery plan with reference to 100% broadband coverage by the end of 2010 has not been allocated and that this objective has not been achieved. The Commission and the Member States are called upon to allocate the necessary amounts to achieve the target of ensuring 100% broadband coverage by 2013 when the current multiannual financial framework is reviewed.
3) Incentivising investment and competition: Parliament highlights the need for measures by Member States and the industry sector aimed at achieving broadband for all, to be focused on the demand side and to avoid distorting the market or creating an undue burden on the sector.
Stressing that the cost of infrastructure investments needs to be financed by the market, it notes, however, that, where open infrastructure is unlikely to be installed through market forces within a reasonable period, the broadband state aid framework and targeted use of Community funds, including through the EIB, structural funds and EAFRD, may be the most progressive complementary means of accelerating broadband roll-out.
The Commission is invited to provide a stable and consistent framework which supports competition and efficient investment in open networks and to allow the flexible allocation of EU funds within the respective programming periods.
The resolution notes that in order to maximise broadband availability and adoption, EU policy must encourage the deployment of efficient and affordable networks, applications, access equipment, services and content. It encourages Member States to develop e-government, e-democracy, e-learning and e-health services, which will boost the demand for Broadband.
Parliament welcomes the Commission’s proposal to explore new financing sources and innovative financing instruments. It continues to encourage appropriate public-sector investment and organisational models, in particular involving local authorities, public-private partnerships and tax incentive schemes for the roll-out of fast and ultra-fast networks. It stresses the importance of government policies being coordinated at all levels.
The Commission and the Member States are called upon to agree on an EU Broadband Deployment Pact with a view to coordinating national and European funding programmes and private investment more effectively.
Parliament also calls for the establishment of a single high-level EU task force with representation of all relevant stakeholders, including users and providers of electronic networks and services, to assist in developing a future ICT infrastructure strategy and specific information society services.
4) Consumer benefits: noting the Commission’s intention to produce guidance on costing and non-discrimination, Members encourage the Commission to support competition in fast and ultra-fast networks and allow all operators fair access to the infrastructure, in order to ensure a wide choice of services, fair network access rates and affordable prices for consumers, and to incentivise efficient investment and rapid switchover to fast and ultra-fast networks.
Parliament calls on the Commission and the Member States to address social digital exclusion and other impediments that have kept some populations offline, particularly low-income communities and people with disabilities, and to require all relevant stakeholders to provide: training and public access to broadband services, economic assistance for the acquisition of broadband services and equipment, and incentives for the development of technology and content aimed at specific users’ needs.
(5) E-Initiatives: promoting demand: Parliament calls for specific measures to be taken to ensure that SMEs can fully enjoy the potential of broadband in the fields of e-commerce and e-procurement. It also states that broadband deployment should be coupled with demand-awareness information and educational programmes.
Parliament calls on the Member States to step up efforts to address e-skills shortages at all educational levels and through lifelong education for all citizens. It supports innovative broadband services directed towards the maritime sector. Lastly, it underlines the importance of a robust privacy framework for the EU and welcomes the ongoing review of the Data Protection Directive.