MyConnectivity to Facilitate Internet, Ultra-High-Speed Communication for Households, Businesses

On Wednesday 16 November 2022, Geraldine Knudson, CEO of MyConnectivity, met members of the press to give a first impression of MyConnectivity, an economic interest group (GIE) created in early December 2021, and presented its mission and goals as part of its first public appearance during the Luxembourg Internet Days 2022 event at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce.

Ms Knudson first thanked Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who had unveiled the logo and announced the official launch of MyConnectivity on Tuesday 15 November at the opening ceremony of Luxembourg Internet Days. She then explained that MyConnectivity GIE was created jointly by the Luxembourg State, through the Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy, and by LU-CIX Management GIE, which contributes, with its close contact with players in the field of telecommunications and connectivity, to facilitate and accelerate internet connectivity and accessibility to all households as well as businesses in Luxembourg, especially ultra-high-speed connectivity.

Speaking about fixed-line internet accessibility, Ms Knudson said that although nearly 80% of households in Luxembourg have the possibility for a fibre-optic connection, only about 67% of households had subscribed for it. Similarly, according to STATEC, Luxembourg's statistics institute, only 59% of all households are connected to a very high-capacity network. She emphasised that given that technology is evolving at a much faster rate, the uptake of these resources need further guidance and assistance, so that in future there is no "data void" or "data divide" in society. She argued that Luxembourg is uniquely positioned in terms of its fixed-line accessibility as well as 4G and 4G+ connectivity for all its residents, and in view of the highly anticipated roll out of 5G in the near future, MyConnectivity will play a central role in bringing residents and businesses in the upfront of mainstream technology.

MyConnectivity will work around four pillars, namely to become a centre of expertise, build the ecosystem, raise awareness and support technical advancement, confirmed Ms Knudson.

"Data is fundamental for tomorrow", said Ms Knudson, who elaborated that with the technological advancements, internet, mobile applications and services are getting more data intensive. While the pandemic had a positive impact on digital acceptability and innovation, further digitilisation of the economy and other sectors is underway, this would effectively mean that the general public would also participate in time. However, to ensutre that "no one is left behind", not even the 5% of residents who are not reached through a fixed line (cable or fibre-optics), solutions are to be found soon.

"Trust in technology is key to achieve this integration", explained Ms Knudson. As a State-owned institution, MyConnectivity, will reach out to residents to address their concerns and will accelerate the adoption of new technologies, which is a key vision for the State as well, emphasised Ms Knudson. She added: "Internet must be accessible to everyone".

Julien Larios, Technical Director at MyConnectivity, elaborated on the technical challenges and the need to future-proof society in terms of data and connectivity. He mentioned that up to 12% of residents are not connected to the Internet at all, meaning there is a lot of effort needed to bring everyone together. For this, he explained, MyConnectivity will raise awareness and educate the public to ensure individuals and businesses understand the value of future-proofed connectivity.

Later in the day, MyConnectivity GIE was presented to the public during a panel discussion and an advisory board was created during a workshop.