Citizens, Consumers and Government. Infrastructure for ubiquitous Broadband infrastructure and Next Generation Access gives all citizens access to the same information and opportunity regardless of age, class or location. This will support the implementation of the horizontal principle of equality and accessibility set out in Article 7 of Regulation 1303/2013.
Citizens, Consumers and Government. Infrastructure for ubiquitous Broadband infrastructure and Next Generation Access gives all citizens access to the same information and opportunity regardless of age, class or location. This will support the implementation of the horizontal principle of equality and accessibility set out in Article 7 of Regulation 1303/2013. In Ireland, interaction with Government through Internet services provided by the Department of Social Protection, the Revenue Commissioners and the Property Registration Authority, among others, can be measurably more efficient for both citizens and Government. As the range of e-Government, e-Health and e-Education services inevitably expands, the need for higher bandwidth will follow and be a critical element in supporting these public service reform initiatives. Furthermore, the provision of broadband in less populated areas will directly and indirectly support other measures to combat social exclusion. The National Digital Strategy recognises that the availability of broadband empowers citizens, helps them save money, reduces social isolation, and provides them with access to more convenient and efficient public services and access to a wide range of resources and services. The National Digital Strategy identifies that citizen engagement can reduce social exclusion and broadband is a vital tool to facilitate engagement in the following ways: It empowers citizens to participate in community and business activities that they could not otherwise access. It can reduce social isolation: Audio visual channels such as Skype, “Facetime” etc. are often reported as valued facilities by people participating in basic internet training. Internet use can also reduce depression. In a US study internet use in adults aged 50 and over was shown to reduce depression by between 20% and 28%. It enables citizens to communicate in new and often more effective ways, with, each other, business and Government services. Most Irish people now have globally dispersed networks of family and friends whose connections can be greatly reinforced with the help of the internet. The advantages of internet access is recognised and appreciated by its users; 78% believe it helps them stay in contact with friends and family, The provision of broadband in rural areas will directly and indirectly support other measures to combat social exclusion. There is recognition that this challenge is being addressed at national level; “Delivering a Connected Society – A Nation...
