Press Release: State aid: Commission opens inquiry into funding for broadband in Appingedam (Netherlands)

The European Commission on 24 October 2005 opened a formal investigation to assess whether the public funding for a fibre access network in the Dutch town of Appingedam complied with EC Treaty state aid rules. This was the first time the European Commission had to open a formal inquiry into public support for broadband development. The launch of an in-depth inquiry did not prejudge in any way the Commission’s final decision.