asked the Minister for Communications the present position of EC research into, and standardisation of equipment for, broadband telecommunications; the cost, if any, of converting the Irish network for broadband communications, the additional capacities available to telephone users if and when broadband telecommunications are introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Broadband Telecommunications.
119.
Research into and standardisation of equipment for broadband telecommunications is part of the EC RACE (R and D in Advanced Communications Technologies in Europe) Programme. The long term objective of RACE is to establish an Integrated Broadband Communication (IBC) system for Europe (basically a telecommunications network which will carry all services at very high transmission rates) which will take into account the evolving Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) world wide and the national developments in member states. It is hoped that by 1995 a Community wide network service will be in operation.
The programme will cover an initial period of five years commencing on 1 June 1987. The funds estimated as necessary for the Community contribution to the implementation of the programme amount to 500 million ECUs over five years. The Commission will establish for each year a draft work plan defining the detailed objectives, the types of projects to be undertaken and the financial plans. The programme falls to be reviewed after 30 months on the basis of the results achieved and the Commission shall inform the Council and the European Parliament of the results of the review. After the completion of the first five year period of the programme, the Commission shall send to the member states and the European Parliament a report on the performance and results of the programme.
The position regarding the programme is that at a meeting of the Council of Ministers (Research) on 28 September 1987, the Council adopted a common position on the RACE Programme. This common position was communicated to the European Parliament under the co-operation procedure provided for in the Single European Act. It is anticipated that the co-operative procedure with the European Parliament will be finalised later this month so that the RACE Programme can be formally adopted by the Council of Ministers.
No estimates of cost have so far been made of the establishment of a broadband communications network in Ireland and the additional capacities available to users will depend on the type of network which ultimately emerges in the wake of the RACE Programme and the level of demand which will exist for particular broadband services.