Free WiFi4EU internet connection - Council agrees its position - Hoofdinhoud

On 2 December 2016, the Council adopted a partial general approach on a proposal to promote free internet in local communities by means of an EU-funded scheme, 'WiFi4EU'. Budget issues relating to the mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework will be finalised later.

The proposal aims to help provide free WiFi in town halls, public parks and other centres of public life. The EU will fund installation of local wireless access points, and the beneficiary will maintain the service. The free network will be easily recognisable to citizens under the WiFi4EU brand.

Thanks to these free local connections, even those who may otherwise face difficulties in getting online, such as unemployed or elderly people, should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of high-speed broadband. WiFi4EU will promote digital local services such as e-government, and is expected to increase citizens' demand for connectivity and use of online services.

"Today's agreement on the Wifi4EU is a success for the presidency. Our aim is to ensure that Europe is amongst the most developed gigabit economies. This decision brings direct benefits to people and shows that Europe works for them. At the same time, we should not lose sight of the need to bring high-speed internet, including public free of charge WiFi connection, to areas whose inhabitants do not have adequate connection. We must look beyond the more developed regions and ensure that we deliver results to all our citizens."

Peter Pellegrini, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and the Information Society

The money for the scheme will come from the Connecting Europe Facility. Simple funding tools such as vouchers will be used to cover up to 100% of the eligible costs. The funding will be allocated in a geographically balanced manner across the EU and, in principle, on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of local communities that can benefit from the scheme will depend on its final budget.

Eligibility is based on being a 'public sector body' as described in the directive on the accessibility of public websites and mobile apps. In order to receive funding, WiFi providers must offer at least high-speed connectivity (above 30Mbps). They must also be able to meet the operating costs once the connection has been installed. To ensure there is no harmful effect on competition or private investment, only projects which do not duplicate existing private or public internet connections are eligible.

The proposal was presented by the Commission in September under the connectivity package. In order to be adopted, the draft regulation has to be approved by both the Council and the European Parliament.