Every EU household can now have a basic broadband connection, thanks to pan-EU availability of satellite broadband. Satellite connections are now available in all 28 countries meaning every European can take out a satellite subscription, including the three million people not already covered by fixed and mobile broadband networks.

Of course there have been pricing issues and there could be capacity issues with satellite, but they went on to explain that they have recently concluded transactions for a couple of high-throughput satellites, and as a result, in their view over the next 12 months they will be able to deliver a 10-megabit service to residents and perhaps a 25-megabit service to businesses.

(7) How relevant are differences between individual platforms delivering content (e.g. terrestrial and satellite broadcasting, wired broadband including cable, mobile broadband) in terms of consumer experience and of public interest obligations?

Applying this principle to the broadband sector, the Commission considers that in areas where private investors have already invested in a broadband network infrastructure (or are further expanding the network) and are already providing competitive broadband services with an adequate broadband coverage, setting up a parallel competitive and publicly funded broadband infrastructure cannot be considered as an SGEI within the meaning of Article 106(2) TFEU (31).

ACTIONS The Commission will: Key Action 8: Adopt in 2010 a Broadband Communication that lays out a common framework for actions at EU and Member State to meet the Europe 2020 broadband targets, including: Reinforce and rationalise, in this framework, the funding of high-speed broadband through EU instruments (e.g. ERDF, ERDP, EAFRD, TEN, CIP) by 2014 and explore how to attract capital for broadband investments through credit enhancement (backed by the EIB and EU funds); Propose an ambitious European Spectrum Policy Programme in 2010 for decision by the European Parliament and the Council that will create a co-ordinated and strategic spe ...[+++]ctrum policy at EU level in order increase the efficiency of radio spectrum management and maximise the benefits for consumers and industry; Issue a Recommendation in 2010 to encourage investment in competitive Next Generation Access networks through clear and effective regulatory measures.

- Fast broadband by 2020: broadband coverage at 30 Mbps or more for 100% of EU citizens (Baseline: 23% of broadband subscriptions were with at least 10 Mbps in January 2010.)