#WiFi4EU: European Parliament and Council strike a deal on EU scheme for free internet access

This informal deal includes:

• The creation of a single authentication system valid throughout the EU;
• funds to be deployed in a “geographically balanced manner” across member states and on a “first come, first served” basis;
• at Parliament’s insistence, public wireless access points (libraries, public administrations, hospitals) may be funded only if users are allowed to connect without any direct or indirect payment (commercial advertising or use of personal data for commercial purposes);
• public bodies should cover operating costs for at least three years and offer a free, easy to access and secure connectivity to users to be eligible, and;
• projects duplicating similar free private or public offers in the same area are excluded from this financial support.

Rapporteur Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, PT) said: “Regardless of where they live or how much they earn, every European should benefit from WIFI connectivity," adding that: "High-speed broadband access to Wi-Fi services free of charge is key to building a Digital Union that does not leave anyone behind".

“As a pilot project, WiFi4EU can lead the way for an effective connectivity for EU citizens. It is important from the outset to ensure that this project is geographically balanced between and within member states through the creation of a single authentication system valid throughout the EU and capable of promoting digital inclusion”, he stated.

Next steps

The draft deal needs to be approved by the Parliament and the Council before the legislation enters into force.

More information 

• Draft report on the promotion of Internet connectivity in local communities 
• Procedure file - Draft report on the promotion of Internet connectivity in local communities 
• Profile of the rapporteur - Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, PT) 
• EPRS Briefing - WiFi4EU Promotion of internet connectivity in local communities