Conference outlines challenges and opportunities facing broadband in Europe

At a conference on 2 December 2003, the European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association (ETNO) outlined the challenges and opportunities facing broadband in Europe. The good news for the sector is that it is showing sings of taking off. The fact that the number of lines laid in Europe doubled between July 2002 and July 2003 will have boosted investors' confidence.

But the main challenge ahead, ETNO said, is to "convince investors of the sustainable growth potential of the sector", arguing that "further policy efforts are needed on both the demand and the supply side."

Addressing the conference,Commissioner Liikanensaid the eEurope 2005 Action Plan is helping to tackle this issue on the demand side by promoting investment in e-health, e-government and e-learning.

On the supply side, he conceded competition in the sector is still weak as shown recently by the 9th Implementation report. He pointed out that proper implementation of the new regulatory framework by Member States should create those favourable conditions and restated the Commission's commitment to support public intervention in order to stimulate broadband access in remote and rural areas.

An "eEurope Workshop on broadband local and regional initiatives" is to take place in Brussels on 15 December to address this particular problem. The Commission is also due to report to the Spring European summit on broadband developments - with special emphasis on broadband and 3G.