Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2004
184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the most modern options now available in respect of provision of broadband or other high-tech communication facilities; the degree to which provision of such facilities is being pursued here; the extent to which Ireland is capable of keeping pace with and catching up on competitors in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28587/04]
View answerThe delivery of broadband and other high-tech communication facilities is a matter for the fully liberalised telecommunications sector, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
The Government set aside an indicative €200 million under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for investment in broadband infrastructure, including the regional metropolitan area network programme. These networks consist of high-capacity fibre trunks, built to the highest international standards, and with sufficient capacity to cater for many years into the future.
The infrastructure being built under the programme will remain in State ownership, and is being managed for the State on an open-access basis by E-Net, which has been awarded the services concession contract following a public tender process. Private sector companies are now able to offer world-class broadband services based on the provision of infrastructure by the State. Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the Government has also co-invested with Eircom and Esat BT in the roll-out of DSL broadband and in the ESB's national fibre-wrap project.
The latest figures from ComReg show that there are now 104,700 broadband customers in Ireland, and this figure is rising by 30% per quarter. The infrastructure roll-out has enhanced the sector's offerings of broadband in all areas, using a variety of delivery platforms.
Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie. Details of broadband product offerings in various parts of the country can be found at www.broadband.gov.ie.
185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in the provision of broadband facilities in view of the commitment to achieve 320,000 connections by 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28588/04]
View answerThe 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 ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation. Recent figures from ComReg indicate that there are now 104,700 broadband customers, and this figure is rising by 30% per quarter.
