Monti backs moves to ease digital divide

dahamsta

Monti backs moves to ease digital divide

Europe's Competition Commissioner has given the go-ahead for member states to invest millions in high-speed Internet and mobile networks in disadvantaged areas.

According to reports, Competition Commissioner Mario Monti recently sent a letter to France's junior minister for town and country planning, Jean-Paul Delevoye, stating that, under certain conditions, the French government's plans to build mobile infrastructures in poor and rural regions would not break state aid rules.

"We understand the new infrastructures will be built and funded by the state, which will remain as their owner. As such, this state intervention does not come under [the EU state aid rules]," said the letter. The infrastructure will also have to be offered to all operators at competitive prices in order not to breach EU competition regulations.

The backing for France's plans in this area is likely to prompt greater investment by other EU member governments in broadband and mobile networks, particularly after Regional Development Commissioner, Michel Barnier, also wrote to Delevoye to tell him that the EU would contribute structural funds for such investments in poorer areas.

"I confirm to you my agreement on the use of European structural funds to co-fund some infrastructures to allow the mobile telephone and Internet into regions which are currently deprived of these services," wrote Barnier.

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MadsL

Structurally deprived...That's the whole of the country then....:D