26 March 2008
Broadband penetration rates in a number of European Union countries are strong but more needs to be done to open up the market further, one official has claimed.
The 13th Progress Report on the Single Telecoms Market from the European commission stated that penetration in the UK is higher than the level being seen in the US.
Moreover, leaders in Europe are Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland and Denmark, all with levels standing above 30%.
However, Telecoms commissioner for the body Viviane Reding claimed that competition remains limited and that business could improve.
"Competition is limited for access to the fixed network which is still provided to 86.5% of customers over the incumbent's infrastructure," she commented.
She added that more could be done in the attempt to break down "regulatory borders" that exist in Europe.
Last week, Ms Reding claimed that the economy of countries in Europe may be aided with improved broadband penetration.