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EU Reaches €120m Wifi4EU Deal

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The European Parliament, Council and Commission reach an agreement on Wifi4EU-- an initiative bringing free public wifi hotspots in local communities across the EU.

EU WifiThe three institutions plan to spend €120 million on the funding of public free wifi services in 6000 to 8000 municipalities in all member states. Funding sources are still being finalised, but will be based on the view of the current Multiannual Financial Framework program. Once it is set up local authorities will be (obviously) able to apply for funding through a "simple and non-bureaucratic process."

"The Digital Single Market strategy aims to build a fully connected Europe where everyone has access to high-quality digital networks. The WiFi4EU initiative will improve connectivity in particular where access to the internet is limited," VP in charge of the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip says. "Wifi4EU is a welcome first step, but much more needs to be done to achieve high-speed connectivity across the whole EU territory-- such as improving Europe-wide coordination of spectrum and stimulating investments in the high-capacity networks that Europe needs."

The Wifi4EU initiative is part of an ambitious overhaul of EU telecoms rules, including measures to meet growing European connectivity needs and the further boosting of competitiveness. The European Parliament and Council are also negotiating the terms of other proposals.

Go EU Negotiators Agree on the Wifi4EU Initiative