BRUSSELS – A new broadband fund of at least 500 million euros has been announced today to contribute to delivering an inclusive Gigabit Society for Europe and prevent a new gigabit divide from the outset.
The FTTH Council Europe applauds the establishment of the new fund with the aim of fostering very high-capacity broadband infrastructure deployment throughout Europe. We urge the fund to invest in future-proof fibre-based networks in the long-term interest of European citizens and businesses. The Connecting Europe Broadband Fund will be especially important for supporting smaller, local fibre projects that have a tremendous role in ensuring that all communities are part of the Gigabit Society.
The ubiquitous availability and wide adoption of fibre networks by end-users and businesses will enable new and innovative technologies while also having a positive impact on job creation and economic growth, in particular in rural communities. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we do not leave anyone behind and prevent a new Gigabit-divide from the outset by fostering futureproof fibre-based infrastructure everywhere.
“We very much applaud the agreement reached today on the Connecting Europe Broadband Fund. Europe needs vastly improved network infrastructure in order to become a global competitive in digital. This fund is an important step fostering investments in fibre-based infrastructure, the only future-proof broadband solution enabling fixed and wireless gigabit networks,” commented Ronan Kelly, President of the FTTH Council Europe. “Lively discussions on creating a Gigabit Society and latest digital technology innovations will be at the heart of the 14th edition of the FTTH Conference, to be held on 14-16 February 2017 in Marseille, France.”