Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
485. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to develop the communications sector with a view to ready access to state of the art technology, including broadband and mobile telephony in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49440/17]
View answer487. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for access to modern communications technology in all areas throughout the country with particular reference to quality and availability of mobile phone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49442/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 487 together.
I recognise the need to ensure that Ireland is well positioned for the future in having a fit for purpose and future proofed telecommunications sector.
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) will ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial providers acting alone will not provide this essential service.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. The next stage in the procurement process is the receipt of final tenders followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature. My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
In parallel with the NBP, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July 2016, I established the Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the NBP State intervention.
The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report containing 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Report is available on my Department's website.
The Implementation Group I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. Meetings were held in March and July and the next is scheduled for tomorrow (22 November).
Achievements to date by the Taskforce include:
- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;
- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies, including Government working closely with local authorities to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs which will be connected at an early date after award of the NBP contract;
- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map;
- most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development;
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms operators.
The Taskforce is also making progress on two of its actions focussing tackling blackspots in coverage.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for the introduction of 5G, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage.
All of these initiatives will assist in improving the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.
