Ecommerce boost from EU

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Ecommerce for intermediaries is likely to be one of the beneficiaries of the decision by EU member states pledging new targets for internet access for all citizens.

The new targets - termed the Riga Ministerial Declaration, which additionally covers European Economic Area as well as EU states - include "e-inclusion" to reduce the gap between those who regularly access and use the internet and those that do not; an increase in broadband coverate to at least 90% of users; and making all public websites accessible by 2010. It is estimated by The Information Society that up to 40% of Europeans do not use the internet, while less than a third of households across the continent have broadband access - although broadband subscriptions increased 60% in 2005....

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