Why is affordable access to high-speed and secure connectivity important for Eastern partner countries?

Connectivity is one of the key policy areas when aiming to achieve digital improvement in the Eastern Partnership region, as set forth in the Joint Communication for Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020. Without access to affordable internet, Eastern partner countries’ citizens and businesses cannot realise their digital or digitally-supported ambitions.

In Phase II of EU4Digital, one of the first steps towards better connectivity in the EaP region has been focused on understanding the state of play in terms of the availability of fixed and mobile broadband internet access services in the Eastern partner countries. For instance, what proportion of the population has access to high-speed internet? Also, to promote high-speed and secure connectivity, the EU4Digital Telecom Rules thematic area prepared a report analysing best practices from five EU Member States. The Eastern partner countries may apply these experiences when monitoring broadband market developments and implementing broadband policies to be fit for their national needs.