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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

121 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the competitive position for those companies operating in 50% of the country without access to DSL broadband services. [18597/03]

While Ireland already has strengths in terms of international connectivity, the Government, in conjunction with the telecommunications industry, is committed to addressing the shortfalls that exist in the national backbone and urban telecommunications networks. In this regard my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has announced a series of initiatives over recent months aimed at addressing broadband infrastructure deficits and the pricing and availability of Internet access, including broadband. These include the introduction of flat rate Internet access, the halving of DSL installation and rental rates and the ongoing rollout of regional broadband in key provincial centres.

The availability of adequate and affordable broadband services throughout the country is increasingly important to our competitiveness in developing ICT based industries; attracting and retaining foreign direct investment and ensuring balanced regional development.

Given the relatively low density of population in Ireland and that retaining existing and developing new firms in such isolated areas is of particular importance, satellite and radio can also make contributions as broadband delivery platforms, in addition to cable-based investment. The present publicly supported rollout includes important pilot exercises to establish solutions in this regard for Irish circumstances. The net objective in any event must be that wherever firms are located in Ireland, they should be able to access the competitive benefits of broadband using the most appropriate and cost-effective technology possible.

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