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The Broadband Handbook: ‘Facing the challenges of broadband deployment in rural and remote areas’

This is a handbook for rural policy makers and broadband project managers who wish to roll-out high-speed networks in rural or remote territories, effectively and efficiently. It aims to help these areas overcome the digital divide affecting their citizens, communities and economic activities, by taking a closer look at the success factors and good practices demonstrated by 12 rural broadband project case studies.

Cover page of handbook: title over landscape with tractor and fibre cable

BCO-SF

This handbook complements the European Guide to High-Speed Broadband Investment which provides the conceptual framework and the information needed to make the right decisions when choosing a type of infrastructure, investment and business models, as well as financing tools (note: an update of this guide is currently under preparation).

The first part of the handbook makes the case for rural and remote area broadband investment and outlines the technological solutions, the European broadband targets and progress, and sources of EU funding and support for broadband.

The second part presents examples of good practices that rural and remote communities have used to solve the issue of broadband connectivity. It outlines the solutions implemented, taking into account social, territorial and economic aspects. It also addresses lessons learned from unsuccessful cases and defines a simple framework covering the key issues for rural or remote broadband projects.

This publication is part of the European Commission’s 'Action Plan for Rural Broadband' aiming to bring better broadband to rural and remote areas of the EU.

Download the Broadband Handbook, or the individual project factsheets:

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