Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2007
101 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the discussions that have taken place between his Department and the Department of Finance regarding investigations into the MANs constructed to date. [11481/07]
View answer153 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the review of the cost effectiveness and performance of the MANs will be completed and published; when he will decide on progression of a further phase of the MANs; the amount a further phase of the MANs will cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 153 together.
The 27 Phase One networks under the Metropolitan Area Networks are complete and open for business. They have been handed over to the Management Services Entity, eNet, who manage market and maintain the networks on behalf of the State. My Department is currently undertaking a Value for Money and policy review on this phase. The Value for Money review is led by a Steering Committee, which includes a representative from the Department of Finance. This review will help to inform my decisions on future investment in the Government's broadband infrastructure programme, including a possible third Phase of the Metropolitan Area Networks and on other initiatives of benefit to the communications sector. It is anticipated that the review will be completed and published this year.
102 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has progressed plans for achieving the 100% broadband enablement of Ireland; if he has had contacts with broadband service providers in this regard; the amount he estimates the 100% enablement will cost; the method through which he will achieve and finance same; if there will be a public tender process; if he will implement a universal service obligation for broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11356/07]
View answer119 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans or proposals to bring about 100% broadband availability throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/07]
View answer123 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will announce a proposed support scheme for the roll-out of rural broadband to all parts of Ireland; and the way he envisages such a scheme will be awarded and financed. [11488/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 119 and 123 together.
The 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.
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open access, carrier neutral Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide, on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Twenty-seven of these have been completed with the remaining due for completion during 2007 and 2008. These Metropolitan Area Networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.
Complementary to the MAN networks, the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) has funded over 120 projects specifically aimed at smaller communities.
However, despite Government and private investment in broadband I am aware that there are still some parts of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. A Steering Committee comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently finalising a proposed scheme, entitled the National Broadband Scheme, which will aim to provide broadband to these unserved areas. The Steering Committee has met with Service Providers and key stakeholders about this scheme. The scheme, when it is fully rolled out, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in unserved areas, including rural areas, are met. Work on the design of an appropriate public tender is underway. It would not be appropriate to estimate the cost of providing full broadband coverage, as the services for this scheme will be procured under a tendering process.
