Ericsson is holding a digital event on Road to recovery: how 5G can power smart rural development on February 25, 2021 at 11:00 CET / 10:00 GMT.

Panelists will explore how 5G can drive more sustainable and productive agriculture and strengthen economic and social inclusion in rural areas. The debate takes place as Member States finalise their Recovery and Resilience Fund spending plans, and the European Commission develops its Digital Decade targets, prepares its Long Term Vision for Rural Areas, and implements the Farm to Fork strategy.

Stephen Adams, Senior Director at Global Counsel, will moderate a discussion featuring:

• • Pekka Pesonen, Secretary General of Copa Cogeca (European farmers and agri-cooperatives)
  • Franc Bogovič, MEP and leader of the Smart Villages initiative in the European Parliament

• Juan Manuel Velasco Leon, Programme Manager Broadband, DG AGRI, European Commission
• Marie Hogan, Head of Mobile Broadband and IoT, Ericsson 

The covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance of connectivity. Roughly half of Europe’s citizens live in rural areas, and they need fast, secure and reliable networks for working, learning and remotely accessing public services such as healthcare. Yet the crisis has also exposed the digital divide. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that a Europe of equal opportunities cannot be achieved while 40% of Europeans living in rural areas still lack access to high-speed broadband. By enabling cost-effective and reliable fixed-wireless access in rural areas, 5G can overcome this, as well as supporting smart, productive and sustainable agriculture.

To join the conversation and hear what these leading experts have to say, please register using the link below.

REGISTER