I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
Under the communications and e-commerce measure of the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006, an indicative €200 million has been allocated to telecommunications initiatives. Following a Government decision of 7 March 2002, the main thrust of this investment is the creation of metropolitan area fibre networks in 19 towns and cities throughout the country. These networks are now under construction and when completed they will be operated by a neutral, managed services entity, providing open access on a cost basis for all interested parties.
Other projects being funded under this measure, such as the roll-out of digital subscriber lines and the upgrade of trunk fibre networks, will see the gradual spread of open access, affordable broadband infrastructure and services to all areas. I understand that upward of 900,000 telephone lines are now DSL-enabled nationwide, and Eircom aims to have 1.2 million lines enabled by March 2004.
The Government recognises there are areas of the country that are not likely to attract investment in infrastructure and services due to differing demographics and population densities. Using funding from the regional broadband and technology demonstration programme, my Department is conducting trials of wireless local area network, WLAN, technology. Trials are currently under way in seven locations, and I expect to have a final report by the end of the year. The results of these trials will be assessed by an expert group to establish the best policy in respect of wireless broadband infrastructure.