Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2006
369 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the funding that has been made available to the respective local authorities to develop local area networks in order to provide broadband; the plans he has to make further funding available to further expand these networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31792/06]
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 the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. The majority of towns now have at least one provider offering broadband services. However, it has been clear for some time that the private sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in 120 towns and cities nationwide. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.
Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country, supported by State and EU funding of almost €80 million. E-Net, the Management Services Entity, is currently managing those completed networks. Phase II of the MANs Programme will involve the construction of over 90 networks between 2006 and 2008. The total cost of the Phase II MANs will be 90% funded by State and EU funding.
370 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of broadband on a countrywide basis; the measures he intends to take to ensure that rural areas are provided with a broadband facility; if, in this context, he will list the areas in County Westmeath which have been successful to date in acquiring the broadband facility; and when areas such as Castletown-Geoghegan in County Westmeath will be so provided with broadband, as there is a strong demand in this area for same. [31801/06]
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 the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator.
However, it has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. The networks offer towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.
Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under the first phase and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. Two of which were built in Co. Westmeath, one in Mullingar and one in Athlone. The second phase extends the programme to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector. In this second Phase there is a MAN to be built in Moate, Co. Westmeath.
My Department also administers a Group Broadband Scheme, which offered funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities. To date, over 160 projects have been approved for funding including projects for Rochfortbridge, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, Clonmellan, Moate (Urban), Rathowen, Street, Ballinalack, Ballinacargy, Castlepollard and Coole, Co. Westmeath.
The most recent phase of the scheme is now closed and the question of a further round of financial assistance for the provision of broadband in rural areas is currently under consideration.
A joint industry/Government fund of €18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme to resource the provision of high speed broadband connectivity to all primary and post primary schools in the country by end Autumn 2006, at no cost to the schools themselves. 95% of schools have broadband installed to date; the aim is to complete the outstanding schools in the coming weeks.
However, there are some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. I am currently examining options to address the delivery of broadband services to these areas and I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to Government shortly.
There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband and service providers are now offering broadband by wireless, satellite, fibre or standard telephone cable in all areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.
