Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2006
339 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide on a county basis a breakdown of the provision of broadband services and the rate of broadband take-up; the areas of the country currently not broadband enabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37570/06]
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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
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 potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.
As regards broadband take-up, the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, compiles data relating to broadband deployment in Ireland. ComReg's analysis and reporting of that data does not categorise it along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
