Vol. 568 No. 2
63 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the current timetable for flat rate Internet access; the likely cost structure of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15910/03]
On 21 February 2003, in accordance with section 13 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 (No. 20 of 2002), the Minister issued a set of policy directions to the Commission for Communications Regulation, including one relating to flat rate Internet access. The purpose of the policy direction on flat rate Internet access is to ensure that the Commission for Communications Regulation makes use of its powers as appropriate to facilitate the early introduction of retail flat rate Internet access services.
Given the importance attached to the introduction of retail flat rate Internet access services in Ireland, the Minister instructed the Commission for Communications Regulation to report to him on progress made in relation to this matter within one month of the issue of the direction, and on a monthly basis thereafter until such time as retail services are introduced.
The Commission for Communications Regulation has issued a series of directions to, and with respect to, Eircom, with the objective of paving the way for the introduction of retail flat rate Internet access services in the Irish market by the end of June 2003.
I am pleased to state that the Commission for Communications Regulation has reported that the introduction of retail flat rate Internet access services by the end of June is on course. The Minister is confident that there is sufficient interest among operators in the product to ensure that retail prices will be pitched at a competitive level, thus allowing for a greater number of people to avail of the product and maximising the benefit for all users of the product.
The Minister has no function in the determination of the cost structure of the service. This is a matter for the providers of the service and the Commission for Communications Regulation.
While the introduction of FRIACO is a valuable initiative, although belated in comparison with the United Kingdom which we are three years behind, is the Minister of State concerned that products now on the market, such as the iStream product from Eircom, result in a lot of complaints? In particular, people who try to purchase this product, which is widely advertised in the media, find that although their exchange is ADSL-enabled they still cannot get it. Is it not remarkable that Eircom, the incumbent, does not seem to have any plans to enable the bulk of its exchanges before the end of next year?
Last week the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources held an intensive hearing into our broadband deficit which is emerging as the key infrastructural deficit in regard to the national plan. It is an issue neither the Minister nor the media, with the exception of a few dedicated journalists, has taken seriously. Table after table presented during the committee hearing showed Ireland at the bottom of the league in line with Greece. Twelve or 15 countries such as Belgium, with a 42% broadband take-up, were ahead of us. There is great demand for broadband. ComReg proved with its survey last year that 45% of people would go for a flat rate broadband package if the broadband infrastructure existed. Has the Department not reneged on its commitment in the programme for Government to DSL and broadband enable the country?
I disagree with the Deputy in regard to the Minister who has been driving the broadband and communications area strongly since he took up position in the Department. We have seen the fruits of that throughout the country. I am aware of some of the complaints raised by the Deputy as I have received some. The price must be decided between the service providers and the Commission for Communications Regulation. I have heard that a figure of about €1 per day might be the starter package envisaged.
