Germany declares its digital intent

Germany's government has voted to adopt a 'digital agenda' over the next three years, with the intention of developing the country into a worldwide leader in high-speed data.

The 'Digital Agenda 2014-2017' bill states that the country should have nationwide access to high-speed internet by 2018 – including rural areas – and that the formation of IT companies should be increased.

Currently, around 70 per cent of households in the country have access to high-speed internet.

Though the announcement has been broadly welcomed, some have questioned a lack of detail in the bill – as well as a lack of information regarding how such an initiative should be funded.

The Deutsche Welle news website, for example, refers to the bill as 'little more than a declaration of intent'.