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The European Broadband Mapping Portal’s interactive map not only allows users to visualise broadband coverage, speeds and technologies across the European Union and in specific regions; it also makes it possible to view correlations between socio-economic factors such as GDP and population density. For this reason, the portal is an important tool for public authorities seeking to close the digital divide that sets citizens, businesses and communities at a disadvantage, especially in rural areas.

Bringing high-speed broadband to islands is challenging and can be expensive if submarine cables are necessary. In the case of the remote Croatian islands of Rab and Cres, a cost-efficient alternative employed a hybrid solution of optical and microwave radio links to create a mainland-to-island multi-gigabit connectivity project.

In times when cities are looking to digital solutions to tackle a growing range of interconnected challenges, a number of organisations representing European cities have recently taken the initiative to find a common ‘European way’ for the digital transformation of sustainable cities and communities by ensuring data and technological sovereignty in the European Union. The European Commission and the Committee of the Regions support the initiative.

On 21 October 2019, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) organised a workshop with the European Commission (DG Connect) to discuss the progress made since the first workshop in April 2019 on the authorisation processes in relation to 5G spectrum bands.

Don't miss the 34 million euro of EU funding for innovation procurements in the areas of digital health and care (deadline 18 June) and integrated care (deadline 4 June). These calls are welcoming also proposals that help fight Covid-type viruses, bacteria, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, rare diseases. This could address for example increasing the preparedness in diagnostics, telemedicine, e-health, m-health, organisation of self-care, professional care, improving antimicrobial resistance etc.

Crime and disasters do not stop at geographical borders. European first-responders need to be able to communicate, share and access information regardless of the country they intervene in. 11 procurers from 11 European countries have selected together 4 consortia to start in their PCP to pave the way in the development of innovative solutions for creating a pan-European broadband mobile communication system for public safety and security.

With 45% of the region’s GDP relying on industrial activity, and concerns for the depopulation of its rural areas, the Basque regional government launched the PEBA Basque Country broadband project to reinforce the region’s industrial competitiveness, ensure its attractiveness for business and the younger generations, and increase the quality of life of its citizens. Begun in 2014, the project now covers 96% of the region’s industrial estates, and 96% of its households. Companies have access to 300 Mbps connectivity, while homes have access to between 30 and 100 Mbps.

This brochure gives the current state of play of connectivity in the EU and the vision for the next decade. It gives statistics on broadband coverage, a short overview on telecom markets, presents broadband financing programmes and projects, describes the telecom rules and the steps towards 5G.

In preparation for the new Connecting Europe Facility programme (#CEF2digital) in 2021, a series of workshops is currently taking place to offer stakeholders the opportunity to learn more and provide input into its development.

The study, carried out by Idate Digiworld on behalf of the Commission, gives an update of the current legal framework for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS).