Exploiting the Broadband Potential

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Exploiting the Broadband Potential
Frederic MaduraudEuropean CommissionDG
Information Society
OECD Workshop on BroadbandSeoul, June
2002frederic.maduraud_at_cec.eu.int
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eEurope 2002 Assessment

• The eEurope Action Plan aimed at enhancing
  connectivity and it achieved very good results
  40 of homes and 90 of businesses on-line
• The new challenge is to optimally exploit new
  technologies broadband connections and new
  communication platforms

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Objectives of eEurope 2005

• eEurope 2005 will focus on
• Content, services, applications e-business
  and online public services (e-government,
  e-learning, e-health)
• Widespread secure broadband access

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Underlying technologies

• Broadband facilities
• Existing facilities (ADSL and cable)
• New facilities (3G, fibre optic, fixed
  wireless, satellite)
• User devises
• Computers, mobile terminals, digital TV, etc.

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Infrastructure deployment

• Investment under uncertainty
• Deployment should be left to market forces
• Technological neutrality is essential in
  dynamic markets

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Pro-competition Regulation

• Regulation applies only where and when
  competition is not effective
• Regulation has been designed and will be
  applied to promote innovation and encourage
  investment

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Local decision making

• Importance of knowledge of local conditions
• eEurope 2005 will promote private/public
  partnerships and ease of access to rights-of-
  way, poles and conduits
• eEurope 2005 will organise a framework for
  the exchange of best practices

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The network problem

• Interplay of technological capabilities and
  application requirements
• The solution to the chicken-and-egg problem
  is the achievement of a critical mass of users
• Demand aggregation is the main policy tool

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Other Policy Options

• Broadband secures digital inclusion
  (facilitate deployment in remote/rural areas)
• Public policy focuses on the end user
  (facilitate the development of content)
• Realise the benefits of e-business
• Ensure security

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Open Platforms

• Support inclusion
• Stimulate content production
• Open-up markets
• Benefit consumers
• The aim is to encourage voluntary adoptionby the
  market

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Conclusion
Crucial importance of exploiting the broadband
potential for Europe to become the worlds
leading knowledge economy
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For Additional Information
http//europa.eu.int/eeurope
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