Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 April 2006
201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of potential service providers which have sought to provide broadband services here; the success they have achieved to date; the reasons for any delay or obstruction; his proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13874/06]
View answerAccording to ComReg there are over 150 companies in the Irish market with at least 45 different broadband offerings across a variety of technologies, including digital subscriber lines, fibre, cable, leased lines and satellite technology. In essence, there are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to any broadband consumer in Ireland right now.
In order to stimulate the market and to address a national infrastructure deficit, the Government, in partnership with local authorities, is funding the construction of high-speed metropolitan area networks in 120 towns and cities nationwide. These fibre optic networks are being made available on an open-access basis, which means that telecommunications operators can enter the broadband market without the need to build their own networks. Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country and a number of operators are already using the metropolitan area networks to provide enhanced broadband services to their new customers.
The programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide. Design and procurement has already commenced in several regions and construction is due to commence in the coming months. It is expected that these metropolitan area networks will be completed during 2006 and 2007 and will allow service providers to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.
The Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the county and group broadband scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform or service provider for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this programme.
A joint industry-Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the first half of 2006. The construction or installation phase is now under way and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.
202 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Ireland’s position regarding availability, quality and cost of broadband services in the European league; his plans to encourage bringing the services here into line other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13875/06]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 7 of today.
