Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2005
215 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residents of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, still cannot gain access to broadband on their Eircom telephone lines; and the immediate steps his Department will take to improve the provision of broadband in all parts of the country. [6901/05]
View answerI understand that the telephone exchanges serving the Clonsilla area have been enabled for the provision of DSL broadband, and a number of service providers are marketing DSL in the area, subject to line survey. While the principle broadband technology in use in Ireland is digital subscriber line, DSL, which is also the situation in most European countries, there are technical limitations to the service such as line quality and distance from the exchange. If a telephone line cannot carry DSL, other technologies must be considered, such as wireless, cable modem or satellite.
My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie lists a number of service providers who offer broadband in the Clonsilla area, including six DSL, one wireless and eight satellite service providers. The website also gives comparative details of prices and service levels.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market. Recent press announcements by some of the major service providers indicate a growing level of competition in the broadband market and a considerable increase in availability. I expect these trends to continue.
