| Author (Person) | Davies, Eric |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning |
| Series Title | In Focus |
| Series Details | 21.3.03 |
| Publication Date | 21/03/2003 |
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus |
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The European Union has seen a rapid increase in internet penetration over the past few years, with an estimated 12-million plus broadband connections. The internet is projected to become the 'main medium for the transmission of information and communication in Europe by the end of the decade'. However, if it is to meet its stated aim of becoming the world's leading knowledge-based economy by 2010, the EU must develop broadband technologies, enabling users to access high-speed, permanent internet connections able to quickly transfer large volumes of data. According to a European Commission Communication 'Electronic Communications: the Road to the Knowledge Economy', published in February 2003, 'The advent of broadband communications is radically changing the Internet and it is essential for investment in Europe to continue if it is not to be left behind.' On 20 March, in a move intended to stimulate the development and use of broadband technology, the Commission adopted a Recommendation in which it called on EU Member States to facilitate the use of Radio Local Area Networks (R-LAN) for accessing public services. Originally developed for private use, R-LANs are described by the Commission as 'a fast-developing, innovative and promising means of implementing broadband wireless access to the Internet'. They are seen as a complement to other broadband technologies and are particularly useful for accessing the internet in airports, train stations and similar locations. (Current broadband technologies typically use telephone lines and cable TV networks, but other options are becoming available, including, says the Commission, 'fibre optic, fixed wireless access (FWA), third-generation mobile systems, R-LANs2, satellite communication systems, free space optics and through electric power line transmission.') The Commission's Recommendation encourages Member States 'to allow deployment of public R-LAN access networks without sector specific conditions and subject only to general authorisations.' This is the first of a two-phase initiative to promote R-LAN. A second phase will focus on radio spectrum issues and will seek to harmonise the necessary frequency usage parameters and requirements. The issue of broadband technology is addressed in both the eEurope 2005 Action Plan and 'Electronic Communications: the Road to the Knowledge Economy'. The Action Plan calls for Europe to have, by 2005, modern online public services and a dynamic e-business environment, based in part on the 'widespread availability of broadband access at competitive prices'. In addition, member States are working with the European Commission to ensure that:
'Electronic communications are a European strength', according to 'Electronic Communications: the Road to the Knowledge Economy', which states that 'action must be taken now to consolidate this and to achieve the Lisbon objectives. This requires above all legal certainty to create the conditions for long term investment; public policy that stimulates both demand and supply; and the safeguarding of long term competitiveness and innovation through R&D.' The Commission's Recommendation 'is an important step for the deployment of multi-platform and high-speed Internet connections', said the European Commissioner for Enterprise and Information Society, Erkki Liikanen. 'The R-LAN technology will give European citizens ready-access to the knowledge-based society when in public places, and away from their home location and will be complementary to other means to access broadband services.' Links: Eric Davies Overview of some of the efforts made by the European Commission in Spring 2003 to promote the use of broadband communications technology. |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry |
