The European Commission (EC) has drafted guidelines that are intended to govern the use of funding for the development of broadband.

Published yesterday (May 19th) for consultation, the proposed Broadband Guidelines pertain to applications made by EU states for public financing.

The EC highlighted funding used for "next generation access networks" as a key issue, specifically looking into rules on when this money could be granted.

Member states and stakeholders have been asked to give their opinions on the proposed guidelines by June 22nd.

Commenting on the draft rules, Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said her priority is to ensure that EU state rules can be used in a "clear and predictable framework ... in this strategic sector".

"This is all the more important in the present economic circumstances as investments in this important infrastructure may both help economic recovery in the short term and allow long-term benefits for European competitiveness," she added.

The Commission is hoping to implement firm Broadband Guidelines later in the year after analysing feedback from the consultation.