Europe now has 100% broadband coverage

Europe has achieved 100% basic broadband coverage, one of the main goals of the Digital Agenda for Europe, the European Commission announced.

Thanks to pan-EU availability of satellite broadband, every European across 28 countries can now take out a satellite subscription, including the three million people not already covered by fixed and mobile broadband networks, the Commission said.

The milestone was reached ahead of schedule, with the EC having set a 2013 target of broadband for all. By the end of 2012, 99.4% of EU household had access to basic fixed or mobile broadband coverage, including 96.1% of households in rural areas. The final 0.6% – roughly 3 million citizens – included many families and businesses in isolated or rural areas, the EC said.

“My motto is Every European Digital – now every European genuinely has the opportunity. We have more to do to improve networks and equalise the opportunity, but the opportunity is there,” said vice president of the European Commission, Neelie Kroes.