Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2006
226 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fact that Ireland has slipped to second from the bottom in the EU league table for broadband; and if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties created for people in small rural communities in Ballydehob in west Cork who are unable to obtain broadband internet connection. [7233/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrant aid has been awarded for the provision of broadband in the Ballydehob area under the group broadband scheme administered by my Department and this service is now operational.
Ireland's relatively low ranking against other European countries in terms of broadband connections reflects the late launch of competitive, affordable broadband by private broadband service providers and a slow take-up by consumers. However, the situation is improving rapidly. In 2004, there were more than 80 internet service providers but today more than 156 companies are listed by ComReg. At least 45 different broadband offerings now exist across a variety of technologies, including DSL, fibre, cable, leased lines and satellite technology. Wireless broadband technology is improving rapidly and the lowering of equipment prices has made this technology much more attractive of late. The use of fixed wireless local access is increasing, especially in rural areas that cannot obtain ADSL connectivity and the development of wi-max, offers considerable potential in the future.
In essence, there are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to virtually any broadband customer in Ireland right now. The rate of uptake is dependent on access by the service providers to suitable infrastructure. Ireland is the lowest cost country in the OECD for international connectivity; our regional broadband pricing is now on a par with the best in Europe, and the price of basic broadband access is at the EU average. Furthermore, Ireland is now one of the cheapest locations in the world for international leased lines.
