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Scotland and Midlands: compatible aid
The Commission has also approved, under Art. 87 (3) (c) of the EC Treaty, two aid measures concerning the provision of broadband services in Scotland and the East Midlands, in the United Kingdom. The Commission concluded that both schemes provide State aid only to the extent necessary to develop the use of broadband services in remote and rural areas. Depending on the outcome of the public tenders and the availability of funding, the public authorities will provide financing to both projects, for instance up to 1.9 million pounds in the East Midlands.
Both projects involve the provision of end-to-end services beyond the mere provision of infrastructure enabling the access to these services.
However, the UK authorities implemented a multitude of safeguards which ensure that the aid amounts granted are minimized and do not distort competition to an extent which is contrary to the common interest. Both UK projects are carried out through open tenders, foresee wholesale access provisions and do not favour a specific technology.
All three projects are in line with Community priorities as indicated in the eEurope 2005 Action Plan[3].
The Commission has also approved, under Art. 87 (3) (c) of the EC Treaty, two aid measures concerning the provision of broadband services in Scotland and the East Midlands, in the United Kingdom. The Commission concluded that both schemes provide State aid only to the extent necessary to develop the use of broadband services in remote and rural areas. Depending on the outcome of the public tenders and the availability of funding, the public authorities will provide financing to both projects, for instance up to 1.9 million pounds in the East Midlands.
Both projects involve the provision of end-to-end services beyond the mere provision of infrastructure enabling the access to these services.
However, the UK authorities implemented a multitude of safeguards which ensure that the aid amounts granted are minimized and do not distort competition to an extent which is contrary to the common interest. Both UK projects are carried out through open tenders, foresee wholesale access provisions and do not favour a specific technology.
All three projects are in line with Community priorities as indicated in the eEurope 2005 Action Plan[3].























