Harmonised downlink-only use of the 1 452-1 492 MHz band for wireless broadband electronic communications services is important in addressing data traffic asymmetry by enhancing the downlink capability of a wireless broadband system.

5. Notes that network infrastructure such as fast broadband and internet connections are of particular importance and are preconditions for the development of CCIs in that they diminish location handicaps, and that technology is a vital driving force behind these industries; welcomes the actions envisaged to strengthen the role of CCIs as a catalyst for innovation and structural change under the ‘Innovation Union’ and ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’ flagship initiatives; emphasises the role of ICTs in CCIs and the ‘creative nexus’ between investment, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and trade, and invites the C ...[+++]ommission and the Member States to promote access to, and encourage the use of, new ICT technologies in the cultural and creative sector, to support broadband infrastructure and, once comprehensive basic broadband coverage has been attained in Europe, to provide rural areas too with adequate fast and ultra-fast networks and other forms of cost-effective internet connections, with a view to ensuring their balanced development in the long term;

While broadcasting will remain an important platform for distributing content as it is still the most economical platform for mass-distribution, wired or wireless broadband and other new services provide new opportunities for the cultural sector to diversify its range of distribution platforms, to deliver on-demand services and to tap into the economic potential of the major increase in data traffic.

In its resolution of 14 February 2007 “Towards a European Policy on Radio Spectrum” the European Parliament made clear its commitment to services of public and general interest and emphasised the importance for rural and less developed regions of the diffusion of broadband and mobile communications.

However, given the specificities of the broadband sector, in this case any compensation granted should only cover the costs of rolling out an infrastructure to the non-profitable areas . Where an SGEI for the deployment of a broadband network is not based on the deployment of a publicly-owned infrastructure adequate review and claw back mechanisms should be put in place in order to avoid that the SGEI provider obtains an undue advantage by retaining ownership of the network that was financed with public funds after the end of the SGEI concession.

Member States" initiatives to accelerate broadband deployment include, inter alia, the funding of city governments for projects focusing on development of local infrastructures, public-private partnerships on broadband deployment and aggregation of demand.