Interesting: EU approves use of public funds for broadband in Scotland.

Read on MuniWireless:
The European Commission has allowed Scotland to use £3.4 million (€4.32 million) in public funds to bring broadband to remote areas of Scotland. EU state aid rules place restrictions on member states using public funds to subsidize the creation of broadband infrastructure or services that compete with private enterprise. However, in this case, the Commission concluded that public funding is necessary to bring broadband to users in remote areas of Scotland. Private service providers will have non-discriminatory access to the wholesale services if they decide to serve those remote areas.

I wonder if this will set a precedent that will break the EU's reluctance to approve this type of investments so far. Maybe Dublin's councillors should pay attention..