Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
147 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of companies, groups or agencies involved in the provision of broadband facilities throughout the country; the extent to which State assistance has been offered, sought or granted in each or any case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3617/05]
View answer161 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with bodies involved in the provision of broadband services or likely to become so involved in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3639/05]
View answer291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of companies, groups or agencies involved in the provision of broadband facilities throughout the country; the extent to which State assistance has been offered, sought or granted in each or any case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3954/05]
View answer302 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with bodies involved in the provision of broadband services or likely to become so involved in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3966/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147, 161, 291 and 302 together.
On the website of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, there are over 130 companies listed as offering internet access. An indicative €200 million is being made available from Government and ERDF funds under the NDP's regional operational programmes 2000-2006 for the development of high-speed broadband infrastructure in all areas, in association with the local and regional authorities and telecommunications companies.
The regional broadband programme, with its main emphasis on the metropolitan area networks, is addressing the infrastructure deficit caused by low levels of investment by the private sector. The MANs are being built by the State and will remain in State ownership, offering service providers open access at favourable terms that will allow them to deliver broadband to the market at competitive prices.
Nineteen MANs have now been completed, and a further seven are under construction. The next phase of the MANs programme will see the roll-out of highspeed infrastructure to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and more, again in association with the local and regional authorities.
The group and county broadband scheme offers smaller towns and rural communities funding assistance towards provision of broadband in their own areas in association with the service providers. Up to 55% funding on capital costs is available under the scheme. More than 20 group broadband schemes have already been started, and funding for up to 150 more is available.
My Department is in close and continuous contact with the industry, through the telecommunications and Internet federation, and with individual service providers, regarding broadband developments.
