The new Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy launched by the Commission on 6 May will contribute to closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas and aim to provide fast/ultra-fast broadband on the whole of the EU territory by 2020.
"Introducing or improving broadband coverage in rural areas is crucial for boosting growth and jobs in rural areas, enabling businesses to remain competitive, integrating rural areas into the overall economic context, and enhancing the attractiveness of rural communities,” states EU AGRI Commissioner Phil Hogan.
National and regional RDPs can contribute by supporting the creation or improvement of broadband infrastructure. Additionally, the DSM strategy proposes a ‘one-stop shop’ concept to inform mayors of all EU broadband funding opportunities.
