The aim of the Conference is to look at the potential and usability of alternative technology in providing broadband connectivity to more rural and peripheral areas, by drawing on national and international experience and understanding the emergence of new enabling technologies. This issue of quality, reliable, affordable and available bandwidth is of huge concern in many parts of Ireland and indeed throughout the European Union and Canada.
The European Space Agency and the European Commission have decided to give joint consideration to the use of space-based technologies to help bridge 'the digital divide'. An initial action plan has been put in place to define society's needs and point to potential space-based answers.
The conference will address the following themes:
Infrastructure: National and Regional Broadband Rollout Programmes from across Europe
Policy Development: Draw some recommendations for future policy relevant to National and EU developments, eEurope and eEurope+.
Regulatory Issues
Applications reliant on Broadband InfrastructureHow to build, facilitate and sustain networked communities
International experience
The event will be held in Killarney, County Kerry Ireland and hosted by the South West Regional Authority (SWRA), as part of its South West Broadband Initiative, and the Education and Culture Commission (EDUC) of the Committee of the Regions (CoR), as well as the Irish Government and ESA.
The conference will have simultaneous translation into 5 languages.
Anyone interested in these Broadband related issues is welcome to attend the conference by filling out a registration form. Space is limited to about 300 attendees who will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. To ensure a balance, attendance may be limited to one or two people per organisation depending on the number of registrations.
Exhibition space will also be available to anyone interested.
An online registration form will be available from the SWRA website from 18 February.
All documents and registration forms can still be downloaded from the SWRA website or by clicking on the links on the right of this page.
