Prague forced to scale back on free Wi-Fi network? Time magazine reports on the spread of Wi-Fi and wireless data in Europe, and notes that the EC told Prague in May to "tone down its proposed $16 million free wi-fi [sic] initiative by stripping out full Internet access" and offering just public services. The EU Competition Commissioner said that broadband is the province of private firms unless there's a "well-defined market failure."
Neelie Kroes, Competition Commissioner, has been inconsistent in her application of EU law. She came down hard on Amsterdam's contribution to the Citynet (FTTH) project. Yet, Vienna is rolling out a FTTH network through its wholly owned electricity utility. The same is happening in Cologne where the city's utility is rolling out a FTTH network. No opposition from Kroes on those projects despite 100% city participation. She's also opposing Viviane Reding (the EU Commissioner in charge of telecoms) on functional separation, which Reding wants to put before the European Parliament this fall.