The European Commission opened a public consultation on the application of EU state aid rules to the public funding of broadband networks. The aim is to adapt the rules to allow for investment in line with the EU's Digital Agenda. Comments on the draft guidelines can be submitted until 3 September, and the EC aims to adopt the definitive guidelines in December. A previous consultation in 2011, on the 2009 broadband guidelines, found little need for change, as most stakeholders found that the existing rules worked well and only needed some clarification. The draft guidelines therefore aim at clarifying and simplifying the existing rules, for example by easing some conditions for investments in rural areas. They also reflect the shift in focus to faster broadband networks, rather than basic access, and include guidelines on investment in networks with speeds over 100Mbps. Other new elements include a requirement for EU countries to publish all information on broadband schemes receiving state support on a central webpage and a proposal to focus investments on passive infrastructure, such as ducts or dark fibre.
