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.

The EU average at the end of 2005 is estimated at 13% of population, or about 25% of households.

Broadband was available to about 60% of businesses and households in remote and rural areas of the EU15, and to more than 90% in urban areas, but Ireland and the new member states lag behind.

EU telecoms rules are opening up regional and local markets to the most cost-efficient broadband suppliers. However, in rural areas, weak demand, due to low population and distance, can mean lower profits for broadband suppliers.

Public/private partnerships are suggested as the answer by the European Commission, boosted by a combination of effective competition and telecoms regulations.

The Commission has proposed strengthening national broadband strategies and stepping up exchange of best practices, and will organise a large "Broadband for all" conference at the start of 2007 to showcase the benefits of broadband services to rural communities.