Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 2

Written Answers. - Broadband Technology.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which broadband technology is advancing to meet requirements and challenges in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16188/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

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.

The delivery of broadband services using a technology called power line carriers is also now being considered by my Department. This technology allows broadband services to be carried on electricity cables and provides an alternative method for the delivery of broadband telecommunications services. I look forward to announcing the details of this trial in the near future.

In terms of the roll-out of broadband in Ireland, I am advised that there are now around 800,000 telephone lines in Ireland which are capable of supporting digital subscriber loop, DSL, technology. This figure represents a significant improvement in the deployment of broadband technology and I am advised that the number of DSL enabled exchanges will continue to rise. Other technologies such as the upgrading of cable television networks for the provision of broadband will further enhance this figure.

I am also aware that the Commission for Communications Regulation has licenced new third generation mobile operators who will in the future provide a new technology platform for the delivery of broadband. I am confident that the continued deployment of these technologies will offer the Irish consumer more choice. In the final analysis, customer choice and competition will play an important role in stimulating the demand for broadband services.