This study explores inventive solutions to encourage the deployment of broadband beyond urban areas. It presents the different solutions devised in France, Ireland and Sweden. These countries have in common that public authorities have invested in telecommunications projects where there were demonstrated market failures. Each of these countries has developed a unique solution on the basis of their specific needs, priorities, geography and spread of GDP. The study has however identified a number of common characteristics that seem to indicate the emergence of a new philosophy in telecommunications policy.