TheEuropean Commissionis going to act on
a "two-speed Europe" when it comes to
broadband availability across member states.
It is particularly concerned about slow broadband penetration
rates in newer member states like Bulgaria, which has only a 5.7%
rate compared to Denmark's 37.2%.
In a
report, lack of competition and regulatory weaknesses are cited
by the commission as the main obstacles to broadband growth.
The commission plans to address these shortcomings in
proposals to reform the EU's telecoms legislation on 13
November.
"Broadband growth remains strong with the top EU countries now
world leaders in broadband penetration," said EU telecoms
commissioner Viviane Reding.
"However, it is unacceptable that the gap between the strongest
and weakest performers in Europe is growing. Europe must act now to
get its broadband house in order. I will make specific proposals on
this as part of our package of reforms for the EU Telecom Rules on
13 November."
The commission may also consider enforced broadband price cuts
to stimulate demand. BT is currently offering UK broadband
subscribers who are out of contract price cuts on basic
packages.