Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2009
133 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the Culdaff exchange, County Donegal, of the DSL broadband via Eircom to Ballyharry will be enabled; if he will expedite this in order to facilitate local business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19416/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enabling of exchanges for broadband purposes is a matter for the owners of the relevant exchanges. It is anticipated that the facilitation of greater competition via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms should encourage the more rapid enabling of exchanges for broadband.
While an area may not be served by fixed landline broadband, otherwise known as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or broadband over telephone lines, broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms including cable, fixed wireless, satellite and mobile. I understand that fixed wireless broadband is available in the Ballyharry area.
134 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position on the provision of broadband in the area of Corrigeenroe, County Roscommon and in the area of Cootehall, County Roscommon. [19569/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service.
The Corrigeenroe and Cootehall areas of County Roscommon will be covered by the NBS.
3 is currently planning the construction and rollout of the infrastructure required for the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets have been agreed with 3. Services were launched in a small number of rural areas at the end of April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010. However, 3 is not in a position, at this juncture, to predict the progression of site rollout in advance of obtaining the necessary planning permissions. One month prior to the NBS being launched in any given area, 3 will implement a marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability. The campaign will include, inter alia, local press and outdoor advertising.
Details of the areas to be covered by 3 under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.
