Communications Infrastructure: Availability in Austria and Potential for its Use in the Welfare System

The report underpins the discussion of applications of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in the welfare sector. Greater use of ICTs is embedded in the Europa 2020 growth strategy which sees the availability of broadband access as a prerequisite for the use of such services. Against this background, the report outlines the development of network coverage and the digital divide in Austria and discusses applications in social security, especially with regard to an ageing population. Commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology, the report served as a background paper for the "Working Group on Communications Infrastructure – Investment in an Effective Welfare State" organised by the European Forum Alpbach on 29 August 2012.