Broadband Internet access across the European Union has grown by more than 80% in the year to January 2004, according a new European Commission report. The broadband take-up rates in several European countries are now amongst the highest in the world. However, the fastest growth is concentrated in cities. Furthermore, competition in broadband services is not equal in all areas.
The EU15 Member States all have national broadband strategies in place and the new Member States will table theirs before the end of 2004. The report concludes that national approaches must be kept under review and updated during 2005 so as to maintain the current momentum, particularly by ensuring competitive markets and the right regulatory conditions for investment. http://europa.eu.int
