Description

The development of an efficient digital network is a key instrument in promoting rural-urban linkages and the ability of rural areas to integrate into the economy. It is essential to increase the attractiveness of rural areas for the next generation.
Private households are not the only actors to benefit from efficient, fast information and communication channels; the digital network also plays an important role for farms and processing companies for efficient, low-cost data exchange (e.g. for controlling plant diseases). The digital network can either be developed by the state or the private sector.

Requirements

• Regulatory framework
• Secure financing both for investment and maintenance
• Skilled / specialised personnel to plan the network infrastructure
• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Clarification of responsibility for maintenance work
• Clear and coherent political strategy and targets for policy-makers and public authorities
• Legal certainty
• Inclusion of municipalities
• Participation of all stakeholders involved, e. g. science / research, agricultural advisory services, civil society, public and private sector (incl. farmers and their interest groups)
• Technical solutions adapted to local circumstances

Possible Negative Effects

• Operational response times constantly become shorter
• Censoring, access restrictions, etc. if state controlled