Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
170 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the company that was awarded the contract to manage the main hub and services associated with the introduction of broadband to Wexford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10240/04]
View answerThe management services entity, MSE, is the independent body, which will be engaged to manage, market and maintain the fibre optic metropolitan area networks, MANs, currently being constructed under the regional broadband programme, on a basis which is consistent with the Government's strategy of providing broadband infrastructure on an open access and carrier-neutral basis.
It is intended that this open-access principle will be enshrined in a code of practice for the use of the metropolitan area networks thus ensuring that access to the infrastructure is administered on fair, transparent and non-discriminatory terms to all interested parties.
Notice of my Department's intention to commence a competitive tender process for the engagement of an MSE was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 19 June 2003. Responses received by the tender deadline of 15 August 2003 have been evaluated, and it is anticipated that the MSE procurement process, as outlined in the instructions to tender document which issued on 19 June 2003, will reach a conclusion shortly. It is not proposed to make any public comment on the identity of participating parties prior to such conclusion.
