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Telecommunications Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004

Tuesday, 30 November 2004

Questions (226, 227, 228, 229, 230)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which it is intended to improve Ireland’s position relative to other European countries in the area of telecommunications, with particular reference to the need to meet the ongoing demand of the domestic and business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31515/04]

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Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason Ireland is not better placed in the international league in terms of broadband availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31516/04]

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Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the broadband projections announced in the national development plan have not been achieved in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31517/04]

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Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

282 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if legislative changes are necessary to encourage the promotion of competition and the provision of broadband services throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31518/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 to 282, inclusive, together.

Although the telecommunications market is fully liberalised, and the provision of services is driven by commercial imperatives, until early 2003 infrastructure investment by the private sector had failed to keep pace with the demand for broadband.

Recognising the lack of investment by the private sector in high-speed infrastructure, the Government set aside an indicative €200 million under the NDP for infrastructure developments that would enable the provision of services by the sector.

The creation of high-capacity backbone infrastructure and metropolitan area networks, MANs, are the cornerstones of the programme. Nineteen MANs have now been completed, and seven more are under construction. In the next phase of the programme broadband networks will be rolled out in over 90 towns of 1,500 population and more. The MANs are being managed for the State on an open-access basis, and offer private sector telecommunications providers wholesale rates for bandwidth that are on a par with the best available in Europe.

The availability of broadband is increasing. Telecommunications companies are now vigorously marketing digital subscriber line broadband in all areas, while other broadband technologies such as satellite, wireless and cable are growing in popularity. The number of broadband customers is growing by more than 30% per quarter and has increased 80 fold in the past year to over 105,000 customers today. These figures place Ireland favourably in the league tables, and indicate that the Government's objective is attainable.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the bodies, agencies or groups with which he has had discussions towards the provision of broadband services throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31519/04]

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My Department's regional broadband programme is rolling out the provision of high-speed infrastructure in all parts of the country that will enable the provision of broadband services by the private sector. The cornerstone of the programme is the metropolitan area networks that are being constructed in association with the local and regional authorities.

My officials are in constant touch with officials in the local authorities, and with the professional bodies that act as my Department's technical and legal consultants on the projects.

Over 50 community groups have made submissions to my Department under the group broadband scheme and my officials are in contact with representatives of these groups.

The broadband for schools project is an €18 million joint venture between my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the Telecommunications and Internet Federation. Regular meetings are held between representatives of all parties involved.

Question No. 284 answered with QuestionNo. 135.
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