Pillar IV: Fast and ultra-fast Internet access
New services such as high definition television or videoconferencing need much faster internet access than generally available in Europe. To match world leaders like South Korea and Japan, Europe needs download rates of 30 Mbps for all of its citizens and at least 50% of European households subscribing to internet connections above 100 Mbps by 2020. The Digital Agenda aims to turn this ambition into reality by stimulating investments and proposing a comprehensive radio spectrum plan.
List of Actions
• Action 42: Adopt an EU broadband communication
• Action 43: Funding for high-speed broadband
• Action 44: European Spectrum Policy Programme
• Action 45: Foster the deployment of NGA networks
• Action 46: Member States to develop national broadband plans
• Action 47: Member States to facilitate broadband investment
• Action 48: Use structural funds to finance the roll-out of high-speed networks
• Action 49: Implementing the European Radio Spectrum Policy Programme in Member States
• Action 112: Durable regulatory measures on non-discrimination and wholesale pricing to promote investment and competition
• Actions 113 and 114: Regulatory measures to promote competition and enhance the broadband investment environment
• Action 115: Recommendation on safeguarding the open Internet for consumers
• Action 116: Update of the 2007 Recommendation on the list of markets relevant for ex ante regulation
• Action 117: Reduction of the cost of deploying high speed electronic communications networks
• Action 118: Update of guidelines on state aid for broadband by end 2012
• Action 119: Pilot project to test project bonds for broadband deployment
Investing in research and innovation
We must invest in world-class ICT research and innovation in order to boost growth and jobs via innovative Public-Private Partnerships and by exploiting the opportunities available through Horizon 2020 research funding programs. We must catch up with our main competitors in ICT research and digital innovation.