The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-03

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Open-Access to Optical Fibers' Network

03 Óåð 2008 17:19:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ

Finance and Transport & Communications Ministers, George Alogosoufis and Kostis Hatzidakis have finalized agreement for the financing of optical fibers network project which will provide high speed, 100mpbs, internet access to 2 million households and businesses in Athens, Thessaloniki and 50 other cities. The 2.1 billion euros project will be co-financed by the private sector and the 4th Community Support Framework while cooperation of private and public sectors is also being examined. The optical fiber network will be developed in the next seven years.

The optical fiber network is a group of cables receiving energy from a light source achieving speedier and better quality transfer of data compared to compatible copper cables which operate with electrical energy. Connection with optical fiber network will provide access to high definition channels, videophone and high-speed internet.

Regarding high-speed internet connection, Greece is the last in EU member states list although connections with high-speed internet went up 108% last year and 1945 new broadband connections are being made every day.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Alogoskoufis-KEDKE Meeting

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Todays meeting of Finance Minister, George Alogoskoufis with the presidium of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities (KEDKE) focused on the financing of Local Administration Organizations. The two sides agreed to start a dialogue on financing of local administration organizations disengaged from changes in taxation system. Following the meeting, KEDKE president, Nikitas Kaklamanis said that talks centered on changes in taxation draft-bill articles 8 and 12, current economic issues with the Finance Minister committing himself to pay the 1.711 billion euros delayed funds in the form of bonds. He also assured that 2009 budget will allocate 90% of increased road taxes to local administration organizations. Finally, Mr. Alogoskoufis agreed to allocate an extra 250 million euros in four instalments, two in 2008 and the other two in the first quarter in 2009.

KEDKE will decide on the opening of a dialogue on administration reforms providing approval by its Council Board and materialization of the above agreements

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article