Proposal to increase funding for free WIFI approved
Press statement by AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou
11th September 2019 2019
The European Parliament’s Committee on Energy, Industry and Research (INTRE) has approved a proposal tabled by AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou, along with other MEP’s, for an increase in the fund that will be allocated from the 2020 EU Budget for the WIFI4 programme.
As the shadow Rapporteur on behalf of the Group of the European United Left for the 2020 Budget, AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou pointed out that it was important to increase the funds that will be allocated for the WIFI4EU free wireless connectivity program so that the needs of the mostly small Municipalities and communities in the EU could be met.
It is a fact that many Municipalities and local communities in Cyprus don’t have the financial means to provide free internet access to their citizens. It is therefore important to make use of the European program, WIFI4EU, to promote free wireless connectivity (Wifi), ensuring that it functions for the benefit of all citizens. Our aim is that this programme should cover the whole of Cyprus, like other areas of the Union, with free WIFI.
(It should be noted that on Thursday, 19th September, the European Commission will announce a new invitation for the submission of applications for the program. The invitation, open to Municipalities and communities, will last until 20th September 2019. Municipalities and communities will have the opportunity to submit an application for 1,780 coupons, worth 15,000 euros each)
