The role of government and operators in overcoming the digital divide in countries of the region Ljubica Draskic, Regional Director CEE

DIGITAL DIVIDE 2 Definition of digital divide Digital divide can only be related to one country but cannot be globalized to the region (although approach toit can be similar) How important it is for country/part of the country? Role of government Government w regulations can eliminate the digital divide Help operators to role out in rural areas Role of operators Operators play significant role in eliminating digital divide by deploying networks in rural areas; New mobile operators and wi max are improving the situation significantly

Role of government in overcoming digital divide 3 Supporting the operators with: Cancelling the rights of way costs so that operators can role out fibres; Make free utilization of existing infrastructure: power, gas – free of charge to operators Regulating the same price in country regadless of number of customers and/or areas.

Role of Interoute in overcoming digital divide 4 What do we do: In Germany and Italy we provide ducts to local operators in rural areas so that they can put in fibres….and build the network What can we do in the region: On the route from Istanbul – Bg border we can offer backbone infrastructure to the areas affected if there is

Interoute route to Caspian region 5

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Thank You 7