EC proposes state aid rules on public broadband support

IrelandOffline_

EC proposes state aid rules on public broadband support Wednesday 20 May 2009


The European Commission has released guidelines on the application of EU state aid rules to public funding of broadband networks. Member states and stakeholders can submit their views on the proposed text until 22 June, and the commission will adopt a definitive text later this year. The proposals are based on the commission's rulings on over 40 cases of public funding for "traditional" broadband networks. The draft also addresses public financing of very high speed, so-called "next-generation access networks". The regulatory framework is based on the existing distinction between areas that lack broadband connectivity (white areas), areas where only one network infrastructure is deployed (grey areas) and areas where at least two competing broadband infrastructures are present (black areas). The commission position towards public support for broadband network deployment varies from a positive view for white areas to a more critical assessment for areas where private investment is already made or is expected to take place and where competition is effective.

trekkypj

Will IrelandOffline be making a submission? I certainly will be.