Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
127. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the criteria that must be met before a premises is able to pre-order broadband under the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63623/21]
View answerWith regard to the criteria for premises to pre-order broadband, NBI manages the build plan and launch details for all premises within the Intervention Area. NBI has advised that this plan includes forecast dates for each "Ribbon of premises", typically between 400 to 800 premises within a given Deployment Area, including any delayed or deferred premises encountered during the construction phase. NBI select "Ribbons" which are within the proposed 3-months pre-order delivery window based on their forecasts which are then confirmed prior to opening premises for pre-order. Once confirmed, NBI open the premises for pre-order and the associated premises are available immediately for pre-order on NBI systems and the NBI website. Details are available on specific areas within the country through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. NBI has published details of its full deployment schedule on its website which enables all premises within the Intervention Area to have an anticipated service activation date range. Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change.
