16-02-2007

The report is a response to European Commission proposals for bridging the broadband gap and accelerating 'eGovernment' – the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to improve public sector service.

The Commission has set a target for broadband to be available to at least 90 per cent of the EU's population by 2010, but the report argues that this is not enough. "The other 10 per cent could represent the exclusion of entire low-population-density areas," warns Mr Caveri, author of the report.

"The internet is one of the most brilliant innovations of our time. Its potential to generate economic growth can bring about substantial benefits such as the creation of new services, the opening up of new investment and job opportunities, productivity gains, reduced costs and increased quality of life, " says Mr Caveri. He stresses that regions with permanent geographical and natural handicaps must not be left out of the broadband revolution.

The gap between broadband deployment and actual usage also needs to be addressed, he says. Practical measures at local level need to promote the use of broadband among older people, as well as disadvantaged or traditionally less-receptive social groups, such as rural communities. Such measures might include internet demonstration events or the provision of public access points.

Mr Caveri also urges the Commission to provide more precise guidelines for local and regional authorities. These should cover situations where broadband services are deployed with the aid of structural funds and where partial supply of such services already exists.

His report backs the roll-out of eGovernment services in order to help restructure and update public services in areas such as health, education and procurement. It is estimated, for instance, that electronic public procurement could reduce public spending by billions of euros across Europe, as well as help to increase transparency.

But Mr Caveri also emphasises that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to public services. Instead, he advocates a multi-channel approach, allowing the public to interact with local and regional authorities by whichever means they prefer – whether that be face-to-face, via website, digital TV or mobile telephony.

Finally, he argues that decisions regarding allocation of radio-spectrum or frequency bands – a key issue for the wireless broadband industry – should be based on technological neutrality and efficiency, in particular to ensure better broadband access for rural or remote areas.