Noticias por e-mail: Information Society Newsroom Update Weekly

Weekly Issue - 27 April 2012

Latest News

PRESS RELEASE

Commission opens public consultation on how to reduce the cost of rolling out high speed internet

(27 April 2012) High-speed Internet underpins all sectors of the economy and will be the backbone of the Digital Single Market. For every 10% increase in the broadband penetration the economy grows by 1 to 1.5%. In this context the European Commission is seeking views on how to cut the costs of setting up new networks for high speed internet in the EU. In particular, the Commission wants to explore how to reduce the costs associated with civil engineering, such as the digging up of roads to lay down fibre, and which can account for as much as 80% of the total cost. The Commission believes it could cut the cost of broadband investments by a quarter. Input is sought from all interested public and private parties including telecoms and utility companies for instance, investors, public authorities and consumers.

PRESS RELEASE

Commission queries Polish telecoms regulator's plans to limit access to fibre networks

(26 April 2012) The European Commission has decided to further investigate whether the Polish telecoms regulator, UKE, should allow the incumbent Polish telecoms operator, Telekomunikacja Polska (TP) to give alternative operators only limited access to its future fibre based networks so they can also offer high-speed Internet. The Commission has serious doubts whether UKE's decision not to impose cost-oriented prices for access to these networks contravenes EU telecoms rules. In the Commission's view, UKE's decision could have a negative effect on competition and the future development of fibre networks. Conditions for access to TP's fibre network will determine whether, and at what price, alternative operators, including those established in other Member States, will be able to provide telecoms services to Polish consumers. The Commission has therefore suspended UKE's plans and started a 3 month investigation.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Transition to Digital Broadcasting, Borderline Frequency Coordination and Digital Dividend

7 May 2012 - 9 May 2012 Warsaw, Poland

This event is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the Polish Ministry of Administration and Digitization and the Office of Electronic Communication. This ITU Regional Development Forum should provide an opportunity for high level dialogue between the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) and decision-makers of ITU Member States as well as Sector Members on key challenges and actions related to the spectrum management and digital dividend, to better assess strategic orientations that may have an impact on BDTs regional workplan in between World Telecommunication Development Conferences. The Seminar is an integral part of the European Regional Initiative on Digital Broadcasting for Europe that searches to provide a basis for the exchange of best practices encountered on the path of digital migration, and the ways to maximize the economic and social benefits of the digital dividend.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Meta Forum 2012

20 June 2012 - 21 June 2012 Brussels, Belgium

This event will feature both interactive and informative sessions focusing on multilingualism, the challenges and opportunities presented by the multilingual information society and how a solid strategy for developing innovative Language Technologies is key in developing solutions to respond to these opportunities and challenges. It will address issues such as technological support for smaller languages and innovative Language Technology applications to better enable communities in the information age. A research overview will present visionary applications, current developments and priority themes in the field and show how this work could enrich the lives of European citizens while creating an economic boost. There will be discussions with major stakeholders on work plans, programme development and both national and European strategies.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

ICT - Driving the City of tomorrow?

4 June 2012 - 6 June 2012 Vienna, Austria

This 2012 conference of Major Cities of Europe will focus on the challenges faced by most large, medium and small cities and towns across Europe: budgets are tighter and tighter, citizens press for more direct participation in decisions and for better services and for more jobs opportunities for individuals, local companies strive to resist the economic downturn and to identify growth areas to develop their business. The need for radical transformation of local government is key to address all these challenges. The question that will be addressed during the conference is how much ICT can drive the city of tomorrow. The advent of Open Government, Open Data, Social networks, Cloud Computing, Smart Cities are some of the main topics that will be explored during the conference.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Interact 2012

30 May 2012 - 31 May 2012 Barcelona, Spain

This event is organised by IAB Europe, a Brussels-based European trade association representing the online advertising sector. The event will include presentations, panel debates, informative workshops and networking opportunities. It will explore how the many different digital advertising formats can be used to develop strong brands online. The event has a different theme for each day. "Big data" on day-one focuses on the increasing importance of data in shaping the online environment. The second day is themed "The digital brandscape", highlighting case studies from leading brands and their agencies.

NEWS ARTICLE

Facilitating access to cross-border eHealth services: a task for the European Health Insurance Card?

(20 April 2012) The European Health Insurance Card is being used in epSOS, a pilot project co-financed by the European Commission, which aims at developing cross-border eHealth services to improve the quality and safety of healthcare for citizens travelling to another European country. epSOS can make a significant contribution to patient safety by reducing the frequency of medical errors and by providing quick access to documentation. In emergency situations, this documentation provides the medical personnel with life-saving information and reduces the (sometimes needless) repetition of diagnostic procedures.

Reminders

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

The IFA 11th Global Conference on Ageing

28 May 2012 - 1 June 2012 Prague, Czech Republic

This event will provide a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary forum for networking and the sharing of information related to new research and evidence-based programmes and policies. It is an opportunity for those interested in the field of ageing and the evolution of the human spirit to take stock of social trends, evaluate recent policy developments and collectively chart a course. The aim is to facilitate stronger linkages among research, policy and practice and explore in greater depth the role of civil society in building effective relationships. Deadline for abstract submission is 1 December 2011.

New in the Library

SPEECH
Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda
Investing in our digital future: COSAC Conference of national parliaments, Copenhagen, 24 April 2012
SPEECH
Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda
The European Commission and Parliament: building the e-EU together: European Parliament, Structured dialogue with ITRE Committee, Brussels, 23 April 2012

Subscription Information

This is the Newsroom Update of Europe's information Society: Thematic Portal - a 'one stop shop' to all European Information Society policies, activities, news and more from across the European Commission.

Get more news! Subscribe to our RSS feeds. The archives of all our Newsletters are now available!

You may unsubscribe or broaden your subscription by going to Your Profile. Please do not reply to this email address - contact details for all organisations behind the Portal can be found on the Portal Contacts page.