Pat Rabbitte
Question:101 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to ensure cheaper access to the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22353/02]
Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.
David Stanton
Question:132 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to make the advantages of information society technology available to all citizens at an affordable rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22441/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 132 together.
The provision and promotion of communications infrastructure and services is a matter for the private sector companies that operate in the fully liberalised telecommunications market. However, recognising that there are areas of the country that are not as economically attractive for firms to invest in infrastructure and services due to differing demographics and population densities and mindful that the global economic downturn has adversely affected companies' ability to invest, my Department has undertaken a number of initiatives to facilitate the roll-out of advanced communications infrastructure which seek to address gaps in communications infrastructure in regional Ireland.
In 1999, under the National Development Plan, 1994-1999, and INTERREG II, €26.5 million was made available to support the roll-out of broadband to the regions. Some 13 projects which rolled-out broadband nationwide to a value – public and private funding – of €70 million were supported and are now completed. These projects entailed the roll-out of broadband services in the Border, midlands and west region and the south and east region.
Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, the indicative figure allocated to telecommunications initiatives was approximately €200 million. Funding under this communications and e-commerce measure of the NDP will be utilised to leverage and accelerate investment in competitive advanced information and communications infrastructure and services which will enhance the potential for the development of affordable electronic commerce facilities and enable the electronic provision of public services, including education services, virtual libraries, welfare and health services.
A first call for proposals was run in 2000 and on foot of submissions received, nine contracts were signed at the beginning of last year which will result in additional investment in the regions in broadband infrastructure and increased availability of broadband services for business and residential users. The projects involved are scheduled to be completed by the end of next year and will entail an overall investment of €160 million in broadband leveraged from grant assistance of approximately €55 million.
Of the projects selected under this call under the communications measure of the NDP 2000-2006, my Department will fund Esat-BT with up to €9 million to roll-out a €25 million DSL programme at 40 centres outside of the Dublin area. Under the second call, €3.7 million has been made available to Eircom in respect of DSL roll-out at 14 exchanges nationwide. In addition, I am also aware that Eircom is rolling out DSL at 32 centres in the greater Dublin area. I am also informed that by the end of the year 500,000 lines will be DSL enabled which will greatly facilitate the deployment of broadband nationwide. A further broadband programme announced in March this year will involve 20 projects leading to the construction of metropolitan area fibre optic networks in towns to link with the existing backbone network in the country at a projected cost of €60 million. The town links will facilitate consumers, educational establishments, industry and business and provide "always on", low cost and high speed Internet access which will drive the Government's e-commerce agenda. By reducing the cost of access to fibre rings, it will facilitate the provision of broadband services by a greater number of operators and the ensuing competition should benefit end users in these towns.
The relevant local authorities have been asked to enter procurement to establish firm prices for their proposals. Once procurement is completed, and subject to satisfactory pricing, contracts will be offered for these projects in the order that the local authorities complete the procurement processes to the satisfaction of my Department. It is anticipated that this will take place over the coming months. It is expected that these projects will be completed within 12 to 18 months.
Finally, I also propose to issue a policy direction to the new Commission for Communications Regulation in accordance with the terms of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002. It is my intention that the direction will focus on a number of key policy priorities for the CCR in the short to medium term, including the introduction of flat rate Internet access. The new commission will be established very shortly and following the establishment of the new commission I will publish a draft of my policy direction for public consultation.