Phase 1 of the regional broadband programme involves the construction of open access fibre optic metropolitan area networks in Athlone, Ballina, Carlow, Carrick-on-Shannon, Clonmel, Cork city, Dungarvan, Galway city, Gweedore, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Limerick city, Manorhamilton, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Roscommon, Tullamore, Waterford city and Wexford. None of the projects in phase 1 employ exclusively wireless based technologies. However, the infrastructure under construction, subduct, fibre and co-location facilities, will be capable of use by wireless based broadband companies in the provision of wireless based broadband services in the towns concerned. Construction has commenced on these projects and all are expected to be completed by summer 2004.
A separate national trial of wireless LAN technologies involving four companies in a number of towns throughout the country is currently under way, and is expected to be completed by end 2003.