In order to identify areas where broadband coverage is and is not available, my officials asked broadband operators to provide their coverage details. The operators were asked to provide details of: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband coverage; fixed wireless broadband coverage; and mobile broadband coverage.
A map was compiled on the basis of the information provided by broadband operators and is available on the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) section of my Department's website.
The map has been produced having regard to the following: DSL enabled exchanges are taken to have a broadband service radius of 4.5 km; wireless/mobile service providers providing broadband services through the use of licensed and licensed exempt spectrum are taken to have service areas related to the size of service providers' footprints, as appropriate and, having regard to the topographical effects on the wireless signal.
Broadband operators have been requested to update coverage details as they evolve in order to keep the maps current. The latest iteration of the map was published in March 2008.
The operators were given a deadline of 30 June 2008 to provide their most up-to-date service coverage. All information received by the deadline of 30 June 2008 will be reflected in the next iteration of the map.
My Department is also undertaking a validation exercise in relation to the coverage information and will consider any documented feedback from all sources in relation to broadband coverage.