Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
325 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proportion of homes here with access to broadband communications; and the way in which that proportion compares with each of the other OECD and EU countries. [17534/04]
View answerThe latest statistics published by the OECD on broadband access, which date from June 2003, show Ireland with 0.41 per 100 inhabitants compared with the OECD figure of 6.06. The most recent European Commission data, from May 2004, indicates a penetration rate of 0.9% of the population.
Broadband access in Ireland has been increasing dramatically in recent months, so these figures may not reflect the current level of broadband penetration here. For example, the number of DSL broadband customers in Ireland grew from 1,000 in May 2003 to over 44,000 by May 2004. In addition, the numbers availing of flat rate Internet access grew by 50,000 in the same period. In addition to these figures, 10,000 customers are now availing of corporate ultra high speed broadband, and up to 5,000 have access to broadband by wireless, cable and satellite.
The recent announcements of new broadband offers, with three months of free trials and start-up packages, together with the general lowering of broadband prices, will certainly help to drive broadband penetration into even more homes and businesses.
