In 2010, the European Commission authorized over EUR 1.8 billion of public funds for broadband development. The public funds are aimed to ensure that all citizens have access to high speed Internet access in the European Union, including in rural or remote areas.
Commission Vice-President in charge of competition policy Joaqu�n Almunia commented: "Smart investments into high and very high speed broadband infrastructures are crucial to create jobs, increase economic performance and to unlock the competitive potential of the EU in the long term. The Commission is committed to help EU countries to accelerate private and public investments in this sector."http://www.europa.eu