Key points :

• Even though it is often idealized as a technologically connected continent, Europe’s broadband system is actually highly fragmented and in great need of overall improvement.

• The American market-led approach of facilities-based competition has resulted in greater investment in next-generation broadband technologies. Many European leaders are increasingly abandoning their regulatory approach and looking to the US broadband model.

• The European Union should simplify and reduce regulation of broadband providers, remove barriers to consolidation, and embrace a market-led, technology-neutral approach to broadband.