Although some European countries are leading the world in broadband Internet access, the European Commission (EC) sees a growing gap between the best and worst performing of Member States. According to a report from the Commission’s Communications Committee, with respect to 01 July 2007, lack of competition and regulatory shortcomings are the main obstacles to broadband growth.
"Broadband growth remains strong with the top EU countries now world leaders in broadband penetration. However, it is unacceptable that the gap between the strongest and weakest performers in Europe is growing. Europe must act now to get its broadband house in order," said Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information Society and Media.
According to the report, which was published on 15 October, the gap between the best performing countries (37.2 per cent in Denmark) and the worst performing countries (5.7 per cent in Bulgaria) in terms of broadband is growing. The main reasons behind this are a lack of significant alternative infrastructure in certain Member States and the need for more coherent and rapid application of existing solutions. The average penetration rate in the EU stood at 18.2 per cent as at 01 July 2007, compared to 14.9 per cent in July 2006. Data from Portugal points to a rate of 14.8 per cent.
The report noted the existence of over 90 million fixed broadband lines in the EU’s 27 Member States, 20 million of which, excluding Bulgaria and Romania, have been added since July 2006, representing an increase of 28.7 per cent. Growth was highest in Denmark (7.7 lines per 100 inhabitants), Luxembourg (7.1 lines per 100 inhabitants) and Ireland (6.7 lines per 100 inhabitants).
Consult:
- Broadband access in the EU: situation at 1 July 2007, COCOM, October 2007 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=529565
Further information:
- Two speed broadband: Europe underlines regulatory problems to be addressed through reform http://www.europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/1492&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- EU broadband catches up with USA and Japan https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=519924
- Slowdown in Europe Broadband Growth https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=455450
- Broadband area https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=177623
