Dutch task force calls for local govt support for broadband

bealtine

Ninety percent of Dutch homes and businesses should have access to next-generation broadband services by 2020, according to the recommendations of the Task Force Next Generation Networks. The task force led by Ferd Crone, mayor of Leeuwarden, has delivered its report to the government. The report covers proposals for the roll-out of faster networks, expected to be largely based on fibre optics, and looks at how local governments can help develop the new infrastructure. The parliament called for the report in a motion passed last November. The authors looked at ways to handle the expected increase in average download speed to 75 to 400 Mbps by 2020, from 5 to 14 Mbps currently. The increase is needed to support the growing demand for triple-play services delivered over broadband networks, as well as public services such as health, security and education. According to the task force, the market will not be able to adequately meet the increase in demand, and local government can play a role in facilitating the new infrastructure. This can mean a coordinating role, for helping supply meet demand, or a financing role for rolling out new networks. Cable and fibre operators reacted positively to the report's proposals. NLkabel, the cable industry association, was pleased with the report's conclusion that cable is a future-proof technology and called on the government to focus on stimulating services development. The FTTH Platform, which represents fibre operators, was pleased with the proposals for local governments to help finance networks. The platform stressed that only fibre will be able to meet demand after 2020.