Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-09-13

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Action plan for broadband development unveiled

[02] KKE leader lambasts mainstream parties

[01] Action plan for broadband development unveiled

The broadband plan is part of an overall action plan contained in the digital strategy for 2006-2013.

The following actions have been decided for the development of broadband infastructures, as well as broadband content and services:

1) Actions for the development of broadband infrastructures:

a - Broadband metropolitan networks in 75 municipalities: Funds of 59 million euros will be earmarked for the creation of metropolitan broadband fiber optic networks in 75 municipalities in the Greek periphery. More than 2,800 public service hubs will be connected throughout the country. According to Alogoskoufis, Greece's broadband infrastructure map will be significantly changed.

b - Wireless broadband networks in 120 municipalities and 20 local unions of municipalities and communities: 42 millio euros will be earmarked for wireless broadband networks, while funding will also be provided for the broadband connection of schools with the nationwide school network. The action plan provides for the connection of 1,260 schools, 360 cultural centres, and 1,800 public services. Also, 320 regional health centres and offices will be connected.

c - Wireless Internet access: 21 million euros will be earmarked for the creation of wireless hubs of access to private enterprises. Actions are also foreseen for broadband exploitation of the Hellas SAT satellite, and boosting private investments for broadband in the periphery, with a total budget of 210 million euros.

The goal is to offer broadband services to citizens and businesses at affordable rates.

2) Actions for the development of broadband content and services

a - Boosting private investments for the development of these services. The action provides for 36 million euros for financing investment plans of businesses advancing the new broadband services.

b - Development of 'smart' home communities: 10 million euros will be earmarked for highlighting the importance of broadband in the development of local societies.

c - Broadband services in agencies and organisations for persons with special needs: 45 million euros will be earmarked for boosting equal access of persons with special needs to digital television through the distribution of specially-formulated decoders.

3) Actions for boosting demand: 11.5 million euros will be earmarked for increasing public awareness on the benefits of broadband use.

4) Provisions in the investment law: The new investments law will contain, for the first time, specific provisions for boosting the development of broadband infrastructures and services.

[02] KKE leader lambasts mainstream parties

Speaking at a press conference in the framework of her visit to the 71st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the KKE leader criticised prime minister Costas Karamanlis' weekend addresses at the TIF, describing as a 'provocation' his statement that he would go ahead with the reforms planned by the government regardless of the political cost. She said that Karamanlis had made a display of political strength towards the popular strata, and the 'crumbs' he offered could not be called 'social policy'.

On the public works projects being carried out in Thessaloniki, she said that they were being constructed with a great delay, and would be followed by the looting by the construction firms.

Papariga said there was no difference between ND and PASOK, adding that the current government was continuing the policy of its predecessor PASOK.

As for criticism by PASOK press officer Nikos Athanassakis that the KKE served as "ND's pillow", Papariga replied that PASOK was saying that 'whoever isn't with PASOK is with ND', and was addressing itself to its own followers in order to terrorise them.

Regarding the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos), the KKE leader said that SYN had started out with slogans against the two-party system, but later downgraded the need for making a rift in the system of alternation (in government) of the two mainstream parties.

She also accused the two mainstream parties of engaging in an "orgy of political favor-mongering" in light of the October 15 municipal and prefectural elections.

Papariga was due to visit Pallini prefecture in Chalkidiki in the afternoon to be briefed on the destruction caused by the recent forest fire, and also visit the Kassandra prison.

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