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:
- Finland, Suupohja
- France, Digital Nièvre
- Hungary, Bóly
- Italy, Net4all
- Italy, Wireless Verrua
- Netherlands, Fryslan Ring
- Netherlands, CAI Harderwijk
- Portugal, Evora
- Slovenia, Komen
- Spain, guifi.net
- UK, Balquhidder
- UK, B4RN
Find out more
- The status of connectivity in your area: the European Broadband Mapping Portal
- Who to contact about broadband deployment in your Member State or region: BCO Network Directory
- Information on EU funding for broadband
- Information on technical assistance for broadband
- European Commission vision and policy relating to broadband
- Factsheets on broadband in Member States
- Factsheets on further broadband projects demonstrating good practices
- 2019’s European Broadband Award-winning projects