Frederic Maduraud European Commission DG Information Society OECD Workshop on Broadband Seoul, June 2002 “Exploiting the Broadband Potential” 1

eEurope 2002 Assessment The eEurope Action Plan aimed at enhancing connectivity and it achieved very good results: 40% of homes and 90% of businesses on-line The new challenge is to optimally exploit new technologies: broadband connections and new communication platforms 2

Objectives of eEurope 2005 eEurope 2005 will focus on: Content, services, applications: e-business and online public services (e-government, e-learning, e-health) Widespread secure broadband access 3

4 Underlying technologies Broadband facilities: Existing facilities (ADSL and cable) New facilities (3G, fibre optic, fixed wireless, satellite) User devises: Computers, mobile terminals, digital TV, etc.

5 Infrastructure deployment Investment under uncertainty Deployment should be left to market forces Technological neutrality is essential in dynamic markets

Pro-competition Regulation Regulation applies only where and when competition is not effective Regulation has been designed and will be applied to promote innovation and encourage investment 6

Local decision making Importance of knowledge of local conditions eEurope 2005 will promote private/public partnerships and ease of access to rights-of- way, poles and conduits eEurope 2005 will organise a framework for the exchange of best practices 7

The network problem 8 Interplay of technological capabilities and application requirements The solution to the chicken-and-egg problem is the achievement of a critical mass of users Demand aggregation is the main policy tool

Other Policy Options Broadband secures digital inclusion (facilitate deployment in remote/rural areas) Public policy focuses on the end user (facilitate the development of content) Realise the benefits of e-business Ensure security 9

Open Platforms Support inclusion Stimulate content production Open-up markets Benefit consumers The aim is to encourage voluntary adoption by the market 10

Conclusion Crucial importance of exploiting the broadband potential for Europe to become the world’s leading knowledge economy 11

For Additional Information 12