Director General Norbert Molnar of Managing Authority of the Operational Programme for Information of Society of Slovakia and Chief Executive Officer Ivan Istvanffy of National Agency for Network and Electronic Services visited NCC and were warmly received by Commissioner Shin-Yi Peng on Thursday, September 13. The purpose of the visit was to exchange views on information and communications policies and projects, as well as universal service in Taiwan.
　　During the exchange, NCC introduced the National Info-Com Development Plan and the Digital Convergence Policy initiative. The commission also shared an overview of the promotion of universal service, including the operational framework of the Universal Service Fund, the progress of the project in different phases, and the practices and achievements of reducing the digital divide. The Slovakian representatives held Taiwan’s devotion to broadband construction in high regard and noted that the operation and management of the universal service, especially in regards to the “Broadband for Villages” and “Broadband for Tribes” project, promoted by NCC, sets a good example for Slovakia.
　　During the talks, Chief Executive Officer Ivan Istvanffy explained that, in accordance with the Cohesion Policy for 2007~2013 of the European Union, Slovakia had obtained €988 million in subsidies for broadband construction in remote areas from the European Commission. However, the raising of the fund differs significantly from that of the Universal Service Fund in Taiwan, which is shared by operators. In addition, the European Union, in recent years, has been affected by financial crises, and, as a result, Slovakia is likely to face the plight of financial shortage after 2014.
　　Both parties agreed that broadband construction in remote areas is a significant factor to the development of a nation. Commissioner Peng also mentioned that Taiwan is steadfastly committed to the preparation of an advanced information and communications environment and expressed hope that development in Taiwan, from broadband deployment to facilities and equipment of end users can serve as a benchmark for the development of information and communications in Slovakia. At the end of the pleasant meeting, Commissioner Peng suggested that both parties should establish a contact window in anticipation of creating more opportunities for official exchanges and cooperation in the future.