Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
302. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the presence of the metropolitan area network in towns will relate to the initiative he has announced for 50 towns across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30031/14]
View answerThe Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) consist of fibre optic rings around 94 regional cities and towns designed to enhance connectivity in these areas. The MANs are playing an important part in driving competition in the regions and have facilitated operators to provide services that benefit both business and residential customers. The MANs are managed, operated and maintained on behalf of the State by a private company, e|net, who provide non-discriminatory wholesale access to the networks for retail suppliers.
ESB and Vodafone have announced an agreement to establish a joint venture company to invest in and develop a "fibre to the building" electronic communications network, utilising the existing electricity distribution network. Any investment by the partners in this project is undertaken on a commercial basis and I understand that it initially planned to pass 500,000 premises in 50 towns across the country. It is a matter for the new joint venture company and any existing network providers, including e|net, to determine whether in any area there is an opportunity to co-operate to the extent permitted by competition law.
