Bridging the Broadband Gap:

Benefits of broadband for rural areas and less developed regions

14-15 May 2007, Brussels, Belgium

The European Commission is organising the conference "Bridging the Broadband Gap: Benefits of broadband for rural areas and less developed regions", which will take place on 14th and 15th of May 2007 in Brussels, Belgium.  The event will investigate how increasing access to affordable broadband services and the strategic use of ICT can support regional and local development, ease infrastructure and geographical handicaps and make these areas more attractive to business and individuals alike.

The conference foresees the participation of Commissioners Reding (Information Society & Media), Fisher Boels (Agriculture and Rural Development), Hübner (Regional Policy) and Kroes (Competition). 

This event represents a unique opportunity to bring together for the first time very different communities from different background and areas of responsibility. Its aim is to increase the synergy among the policy domains of information society, regional policy, rural development and state aid legislation, and to initiate a process of exchange of good practices from across the EU.

In the course of the month of February the European Commission will open a call for broadband projects that constitute good practice at regional and local level.  Up to 40 projects will be invited to take part to the exhibition (expenses will be reimbursed).  All projects taking part to the exhibition will be evaluated by the conference participants. The first three projects with the highest score will be announced at the conference as the best European broadband projects for 2007.

The Commission services organising the event will shortly invite representatives of rural communities, regional/local authorities, national ministries, industry, regional/rural network and other relevant public and private entities.

Further information on the conference can be found at:

http://europa.eu.int/information_society/events/broadband_gap_2007/index_en.htm

Contact email: INFSO-BROADBAND_GAP_2007@ec.europa.eu