The roll-out of broadband telecommunications technology is an issue which my Department is actively pursuing. While the provision of broadband services and broadband technology has been primarily a matter for the deregulated marketplace, my Department has been actively encouraging and trialling the deployment of the latest broadband technologies. My Department has just completed trials of broadband technology using satellite technology and is currently in the process of evaluating the success of the trial. These trials have involved the demonstration of the delivery of broadband services to remote areas in Ireland including the islands. At present, my Department is working closely with a number of local authorities around the country in the building of metropolitan area networks, in 19 towns, which will greatly assist in the deployment of broadband using the latest optic fibre technology.
My Department is also in the process of trialling the delivery of broadband using wireless technology. This trial should be completed in the next few months and has provided the opportunity for deployment of broadband using the latest wireless technology in new and innovative ways.