Brussels pushes for rural broadband

A DRIVE to bring high-speed broadband internet access to rural areas and agri-food businesses has been announced by the European Commission.

"Ireland is lagging far behind in broadband penetration," said Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission Representation in Ireland.

Latest statistics show broadband penetration in Ireland at just 5.34%, compared to 23.79% in the Netherlands, 22.51% in Denmark and 20.33% in Finland.