The European Commission is set to propose investing almost €9.2bn (£8bn) in a massive rollout of super-fast broadband infrastructure and services across the European Union.

The plan is partly aimed at stimulating further investment in rural broadband.

“Here in Europe we face several problems in deploying broadband, with insufficient investment, problems in accessing capital, and a weak business case for rollout in less populated areas,” said Neelie Kroes, vice president for the EC’s digital agenda initiative. “This is potentially a serious barrier to growth.”

It is hoped the initiative will also help to create a single market for digital public services.