Abstract
Recent developments in the area of information and communication technology can prove to be enablers of rural development by bringing advanced telematic services. However, it is the way in which network operators, service providers and rural users organize and use technology that contributes to rural development. By carefully and systematically selecting a service set, which is both meaningful to rural users and profitable to him/herself, a service provider will establish a successful enterprise and will exploit the investment on network equipment. Subsequently, the introduction of advanced telematic services in rural areas is an important problem. A scenario based approach for introducing advanced telematic services in rural areas in the European Union is presented with an emphasis to economic viability. It is split into a usage and technical scenario. The objective of this paper is to present and review important aspects of the aforementioned problem under the light of modern service provision methodologies. A case study of a rural area in Greece is described in order to illustrate the methodology. It seems that rural areas can benefit from recent advances in technology provided that cost effective network solutions and carefully selected services are offered. The penetration of modern technology in urban areas and the general trend towards cost-effective solutions are likely to further accelerate progress in rural areas.