ANGA Chief: Applaud investment
May 5, 2010
From Colin Mann in Cologne
Investment in high-speed broadband networks should applauded, not punished, according to Thomas Braun, President of ANGA Association of Cable Operators.
Delivering the welcome address at the opening of the ANGA Cable Trade Fair, Braun noted that although cable had perhaps been late in developing its networks, it had made great progress in recent years. “We're an important driver of competition, and we're seeking to increase our market share,” he said. “We would like to see the Federal Ministry get involved. We're one of the few industries that has grown, but there's still potential left.”
Hans-Joachim Otto, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, said the Ministry was aware of the importance of the industry, but suggested that competition was the best driver for innovation. “State subsidy is not relevant,” he said. “Our belief in a competition driven market is correct.”
In an effort to ensure that the majority of citizens had access to at least 1 Mbps downstream by the end of 2010, he suggested that there be co-operation between cable companies and telcos to use existing infrastructure.