As part of the Europe 2020 strategy, fast and ultra-fast Internet access is a priority of the Digital Agenda for Europe. The Agenda has set ambitious objectives for broadband infrastructure development, specifically to provide basic broadband to all Europeans by 2013 and to ensure that by 2020 all EU citizens have access to much higher internet speeds and 50% or more of European households subscribe to internet connections above 100Mbps. In October last year, thanks to the pan-EU availability of satellite broadband, the EU Commission’s targets for broadband coverage in Europe were met, with fixed line services available to 96% of EU population, mobile broadband bringing coverage to 99.4% and satellite bringing it to 100%.To overcome investment barriers, infrastructure deployment costs must be lowered across the EU and Member States investment plans should be facilitated. The economic benefits of broadband are now undeniable, with the rise of new online services such as the cloud and connected TV which require high speed coverage, and figures showing that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can result in a 1-1.5 % increase in the GDP annually and 1.5% labour productivity gains.Obstacles remain, however, with the majority of broadband funding from Connecting Europe Facility being reduced from over €9bn to €1bn to support pan European digital projects. The European Commission has adopted revised guidelines (December 2012) for the application of EU state aid rules to the broadband sector, which will assist Member States in achieving the objectives of the EU Digital Agenda.In order to provide better and open access to the internet for all Europeans, further development of broadband policy also needs to take into account not only the absorption of the digital divide, but the protection of the net neutrality principle. This timely international symposium provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss how to overcome existing barriers to secure equal access to high-speed broadband across Europe. Public Policy Exchange welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.Why Attend?Gain insights into EU initiatives and latest developments to meet the Digital Agenda for Europe targetsExplore innovative projects providing EU citizens with better, faster broadband coverageAnalyse existing solutions to tackle the digital divide between urban and disadvantaged areas, and share new strategiesDiscuss the need to ensure maximum protection of the net neutrality principle and the removal of all free access barriers to online content