European commissioner for telecommunications Viviane Reding has urged EU member states to work together on the planned rollout of next-generation broadband internet networks.

Addressing a conference held by the European Competitive Telecommunications Association (ECTA) in Brussels, the commissioner explained that, while many countries - including the UK and France - have recently hinted at pursuing unilateral policies as they believe that the European Parliament is moving too slowly, member states need to work together on this issue.

Indeed, with politicians and business heads believing that faster internet access will spur the creation of jobs and boost the European economy, Ms Reding said "too much is at stake" to lose ground due to "bickering".

"To make the most of the EU single market, and to prevent the various national initiatives from getting out of rhythm and resulting in disharmony, guidance is needed at European level," she told delegates.

"Europe cannot afford to get its ICT and telecom policies wrong; too much is at stake."

At the same conference, ECTA chief executive Ed Richard noted that it would be a "significant blow" to Europe if the planned Telecoms Package fails to become law by the end of 2009.