EU Prague Wireless decision slows Wi-Fi progress in Scotland and Europe

The second European Wireless and Digital Cities conference this year (2007) held in Cannes was in uproar as a result of the impact of the EU Commissioners Prague decision about implementing Municipal Wireless systems in Europe.

EU state aid, as a result of Prague, restricts the use and build of any Wireless technology by local authorities. The rules say that if authorities build their own network they can only use the technology for the services they run. They cannot make it available for Public use. The only exception being if Councils allowed private operators to come in and build their own network which would be used for resale.

Charles Litster of Aberdeen City Council, at the conference said, that all Councils should join and work together to change the view of the EU commission. That is Councils should be able to provide wireless services to its citizens either for a subscription or free in areas of social need.

A variety of views where expressed some indicating that local authorities now need to cut back on their community wireless projects. One panel member suggested that there should be an arbitrary figure set say £5m spend over a two year period for each individual procurement.

Article by Charles Litster