I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 to 449, inclusive, together.
The objective of the national mapping exercise under the National Broadband Plan is to identify and map current and planned broadband services, both Basic and Next Generation Access (NGA). The process for participating in the mapping exercise has been published on my Department’s website (www.dcenr.ie/nbpmapping) and notified to all undertakings authorised by ComReg. Information has been sought from participating operators in respect of current coverage as well as investments planned up to July 2016 and beyond, where appropriate.
Mapping data has been submitted to my Department by a total of 23 operators and the process of analysing the data and supporting information is now underway. The mapping data will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the EU State Aid Guidelines. If a provider does not submit coverage data it will not be possible to estimate coverage for that operator. No decision has yet been taken as to the format of the finalised map in terms of boundary areas or otherwise, nor has any decision been taken with respect to field testing.
Work on the fine detail of classifying the criteria for current and planned Basic and NGA coverage for each of the different technology platforms is on-going in my Department. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to address many of the detailed questions raised by the Deputy.
It is my intention to publish the map showing existing and planned Basic and NGA broadband coverage early next year, including details of the criteria used, along with the Government’s proposals for a State-led intervention to roll out high speed broadband across the country. This process will enable account to be taken of any new information regarding operators’ plans and will also enable account to be taken of any response from members of the public.
The mapping software currently being used for the purpose of reviewing data submitted by the participating operators is ArcGIS Desktop. As the project is at an early stage, the full range of software has not been selected. Questions regarding the obligations that might be placed on any contractor who might be appointed in connection with the National Broadband Plan are premature as the detailed scope of the intervention has not yet been decided.