[SatNews] European Satellite Operators have applauded DG Regio’s Communication entitled Regional Policy contributing to smart growth in Europe 2020.

The European Commission calls upon Member States to consider how to better use the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to accelerate achievement of the EU 2020 objectives for broadband access including total coverage, making use of the different technologies (satellite, fibre, ADSL, wireless) available to suit the diverse geographical needs and challenges of different regions across the EU. Christodoulos Protopapas, Chairman of ESOA, said, “I commend Commissioner Hahn for recognizing that EU funds can and should be used to connect the 80 percent of Europe’s rural population that are today still not connected to broadband networks. His call to Member States to make best use of ERDF along with his recognition of the different needs of different regions in Europe marks a breakthrough in how the Commission has so far tackled the question of the Digital Divide. It will serve to help the Commission achieve its 2013 target of broadband for all and the satellite operators of Europe are ready to work with him to make it a reality.”

Satellites are already connecting thousands across Europe to broadband Internet. New advanced broadband satellites are also being deployed from 2010-2013 that enable speeds of 10Mbps and even higher. With satellite, the capacity offered to users is a matter of commercial and consumer choice and has evolved dramatically since the first generation satellites. “DG Regio has done well to recognise the need to greater leverage private investment given present day restraints on public expenditure; this is not only a reality for many member states but it also speaks to satellite operators who have made long-term upfront investments in new satellites, including for broadband.” said Aarti Holla, ESOA’s Secretary General. Holla also pointed out that the US had already allocated dedicated funding for creative satellite solutions, which by nature are an end-to-end solution encompassing backhaul and access in one go.

The need for cost-efficiency was also recognized this month at DG Regio’s Open Days workshop on Bridging the Digital Divide, where US Ambassador to the EU, William E. Kennard, noted the need to find the most cost efficient solutions to reach citizens in sparsely populated or remote regions and not forget the needs of these citizens by being trapped in the ‘bubble of Brussels’. Following his statement, Mercedes Bresso, Committee of the Regions (COR) President, called for a selection of the most cost-efficient solutions for different areas, especially for the less populated areas, and raising awareness of the advantage of combining different technologies to solve the problem, including satellite solutions.