Satellite could boost Polish internet coverage, says ESOA

Satellite could deliver broadband services to over a million businesses and households in rural Poland within a year, well ahead of alternative terrestrial network build-outs, according to the European Satellite Operators’ Association (ESOA).

Speaking at a Cities on Internet conference in Zakopane, ESOA secretary-general Aarti Holla said: “Most pending broadband projects will only bring connectivity after 2014 at the earliest, but satellites can make a significant difference immediately; it’s just a question of being ready to implement it.”

According to ESOA, despite Poland having access to about €1bn of EU funds, the country is still faced with significant digital exclusion, with only about 10% of total funds having already been committed to broadband access development, according to the country’s Office of Electronic Communications.