Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Telecommunications Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Ceisteanna (260, 261)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

346 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has sought information from ComReg and Eircom regarding the number of telephone lines that have failed the quality test indicator in relation to consumers' requests for an upgrade to DSL; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the importance of the roll out of broadband. [4661/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. The Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 outlines ComReg's role in protecting and promoting consumer interests. Under this Act, ComReg is mandated to ensure a high level of protection for consumers in their dealings with suppliers and to investigate complaints from consumers regarding the supply of and access to electronic communications services, networks and associated facilities.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

347 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of availability of broadband in County Kerry; if he will prioritise the roll-out of broadband for the Killarney industrial park and ensure that potential investors in Killarney, County Kerry, have the necessary broadband infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4825/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The Government recognises the importance of a balanced regional roll-out of broadband and is taking a series of initiatives to support and complement investment by the private companies operating in the market.

An indicative €200 million has been set aside for the current programme of broadband infrastructure developments under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. This programme includes funding for the metropolitan area networks in 19 towns and cities across the country and the extension of digital subscriber lines by both Eircom and Esat BT. This includes the provision of DSL in Killarney. Funding assistance was also given for the construction of the ESB's national fibre trunk network and other regional broadband investment initiatives.

Under the new broadband action plan, which I announced recently, a multi-annual budget of €140 million has been committed to the provision of broadband connectivity in more than 90 towns and smaller rural communities in partnership with the local authorities and in co-operation with the telecommunications industry. Operational details for the broadband action plan are being finalised and I expect to make a full announcement shortly.

My Department now has a dedicated website on which the level of availability of broadband in any area may be easily checked. The website, www.broadband.gov.ie, provides details of broadband availability in all areas of the country. A check of the website shows that the following broadband services are available in the Killarney area: digital subscriber lines are available from Eircom and Esat BT; fixed wireless broadband is available from Amocom; satellite broadband is available from Digiweb Satellite and Media Sat. Full details of the prices for the various services and contact numbers for the companies are available on the website.

Barr
Roinn