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.