The European Commission (EC) has launched a public consultation on how to reduce the cost of rolling out high speed communication infrastructure in Europe. The public consultation runs until 20th July 2012.
The EC wants to study new ways of cutting the costs associated with the deployment of broadband networks, especially costs related to civil infrastructure works, which often reach 80% of total cost. The EC believes that it is possible to reduce the total cost of broadband investment by one quarter.
Through the consultation, the EC is seeking input from all interested public and private parties including telecoms and utility companies, investors, public authorities and consumers, and is asking contributors to express views on the following issues:
- obstacles to investment in broadband infrastructure;
- ways of improving the use of current infrastructure;
- coordination of civil engineering works;
- measures increasing coordination between competent authorities and simplifying permit procedures;
- 'readiness' of new buildings for high speed internet infrastructure.
The results of the consultation will contribute to a reduction in investment costs, and as a result, in broadband retail prices paid by end-consumers.
The Digital Agenda of Europe sets broadband targets of 100% broadband coverage by 2013 for all Europeans and speeds of 30MBps for all with at least 50% of the European households subscribing to Internet connections above 100MBps by 2020.
