Posted: 14th May, 2004 By: MarkJ
The European Commission (EC) has called on member states to stimulate broadband take-up by aggregating their public sector demand:
The Commission, in a report adopted on 12 May, 2004, says that broadband use has grown by 80 percent over the past year but progress needs to be maintained. Its emphasis on public services reflects the policy of the UK government, which has also advocated aggregation as a way of boosting take-up.
It says there is a "role for public authorities" in areas where markets do not deliver necessary investment. Along with national broadband strategies, authorities should ensure that organisations such as schools, hospitals and public libraries have access to the technology.
The public sector "can help to make the business case for investment" says the report and "once broadband access is provided, it can also be used by local businesses and citizens".More @
ZDNet.