The European Commission endorsed a UK initiative to create an advanced broadband network in North Yorkshire using public funds. The Commission concluded that the aid was unlikely to cause undue distortion of competition within the EU and was therefore compatible with European state aid rules. The local authorities have retained the right to use the network for public sector needs for a period of 10 years.
North Yorkshire’s geography and local economy discourage commercial operators from providing advanced broadband services in many rural parts of the region. As a result, only a minority of citizens and businesses located in certain towns currently have access to advanced broadband services.
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