It seems in Europe the gap between the well off and the not-so well off ( internet service wise), is increasing, time for the EU to step in ?
http://www.pcworld.com/printable/article/id,138441/printable.htmlThe gap between broadband haves and have nots in the European Union has widened during the past year, a trend that might warrant price regulation similar to that imposed on the market for mobile roaming charges earlier this year, the European Commission said Monday.
Fewer than six percent of Bulgarians have access to broadband Internet access, while nearly 40 percent of Danes do, the Commission found in its latest study into broadband penetration across the 27 member states of the E.U.
The main reasons for poor market penetration in countries like Bulgaria are the absence of any real competition for the former national telecoms monopolies, and inadequate Europe-wide regulation, the Commission concluded.
"It is unacceptable that the gap between the strongest and weakest performers in Europe is growing. Europe must act now to get its broadband house in order. I will make specific proposals on this as part of our package of reforms for the E.U. telecom rules on 13 November," said telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding.
It will be interesting to see the specific proposals put forward, at the end of the day I dont see anyone losing from EU intervention as long as it is a stimulant to genuine competition as opposed to a poorly implemented and unweildy set of measures, only time will tell.
