99.8 per cent will get broadband access in 2008

At the end of this year, 99.8 per cent of the population will have one or more offers of a broadband internet connection, according to a new report.
 - The government’s broadband efforts are now yielding results. 96 000 households, which otherwise would have had no broadband access, are now connected. This has been made possible through public appropriations, Minister of Government Administration and Reform, Ms Heidi Grande Røys, says.

-  Broadband access in all parts of the country is necessary for existing business activity as well as for new knowledge based enterprises in our provinces. It is also a precondition for offering adequate electronic services to all citizens, regardless of their place of residence.  Granting access to broadband technology is the key to a society in which every citizen is able to participate, Ms Grande Røys says.

The report estimates that 99.8 per cent of the population will have an offer to get broadband access, regular or mobile, by the end of the year.  96 000 households, which otherwise could get no such offer in the market place, are now offered broadband access. 98.8 per cent will be able get a residential broadband solution.

-  In the Government Declaration the government promises broadband access for all citizens. This promise is now being fulfilled, Ms Grande Røys says.

 In 2006, the Government allocated 119 mill NOK, and in 2007, 377 mill NOK for broadband development. The government grants have triggered a total investment of NOK 850 mill in broadband expansion and development. This includes the business community’s, municipalities’ and counties’ own efforts.

The report includes the results of the 2006 and 2007 appropriations only. The close to 190 mill. NOK set aside for broadband development in the government’s 2008 budget are not included. The full effects of these funds are expected to be seen in 2009.