Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2006
339 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will arrange to substantially extend the availability of wired broadband in West Cork and in particular if he will ensure initially that all towns and villages are connected. [42803/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of telecommunications services, including wired broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
Despite private and public investment in broadband infrastructure there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address these gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg. In order to assist with this, the Steering Group is currently seeking the views of Service Providers across all technology platforms.
I expect to finalise proposals shortly.
340 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to the fact that approximately a quarter of all telephone subscribers connected to enabled exchanges are unable to obtain broadband internet service, amounting to over 20% of all telephone subscribers and with at least a further 15% who are not even connected to enabled exchanges, the grounds for his numerous statements in the recent past that he is urgently progressing measures to ensure the availability of broadband to the remaining 10 to 15% of people who can not receive broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42940/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of telecommunications services, including wired broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
The enabling of telephone exchanges for the provision of broadband is an operational matter for Eircom and I do not have any function in the matter.
Despite private and public investment in broadband infrastructure there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address these gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg. In order to assist with this, the Steering Group is currently seeking the views of Service Providers across all technology platforms.
I expect to finalise proposals shortly.
