Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2011
308 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the number of new sites established under the national broadband scheme has reached the target of over 400 stated previously on his website; if not, the number of new sites that have been completed and are functioning correctly at present; and the number of those that are masts supporting antennae in new locations. [11439/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchinson Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed its network roll-out and since October 2010, NBS broadband services are available in all of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) covered under the Scheme, in line with contractual commitments.
3's primary contractual obligation centred on ensuring that service was available in all NBS areas by October last. In order to ensure the successful delivery of this obligation, 3 extended and enhanced its network and now has 390 sites across the NBS areas. I have provided a table below which details the breakdown of these sites.
|
Breakdown of Structures for NBS |
Total |
|
Greenfield Sites (new build structures) |
197 |
|
Co-location on existing structures |
186 |
|
Buildings |
7 |
|
Total |
390 |
My Department has put in place robust monitoring arrangements to ensure that the NBS network delivers the minimum specified service or better to all users. Performance delivery data, which is submitted to my Department on a monthly basis or as required, is critically analysed by independent technical consultants, Analysys Mason Ltd.
On the basis of the information provided to my Department, I am satisfied that the specified service levels required under the NBS contract are being met.
309 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the subsidy of ongoing charges for satellite services provided under the national broadband scheme will be maintained after the NBS contract ends in or around July 2014. [11440/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Scheme (NBS) contract guarantees that broadband connectivity is available to 100% of the buildings within the NBS coverage areas. In recognition of the fact that some areas will be very costly and technologically challenging to reach using standard infrastructure, a limited number of residences and businesses in the NBS coverage area are covered by a satellite service.
"3", the NBS service provider, has entered into a contract with two satellite providers on a non-exclusive basis for the provision of the NBS satellite service.
After the expiry of the NBC contract in July 2014, tariffs for NBS customers will be determined by the service provider in accordance with market forces and conditions.
310 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when and where he will publish the relative weighting which he will give to each of the criteria chosen in awarding the contract for the rural broadband scheme, as recommended by the Community guidelines; if he will publish the results of the tender evaluation process; if he will publish the eventual contract entered into with the winner of the tender; if it can be correctly inferred from his briefing on his Department’s website that the scheme will cover equipment installation only and will not subsidise or cap ongoing broadband charges; and the body that will be appointed to resolve any disputes that might arise between the RBS contract winner regarding equipment installation and ongoing service. [11441/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the formal launch of the Rural Broadband Scheme earlier this month, my Department is currently taking applications from members of the public who wish to be included in this scheme. This application and verification phase will last at least 3 months.
In the second half of this year my Department intends tendering to procure a service provider who will supply the actual broadband connection and service to eligible applicants. This procurement will be administered in full compliance of public procurement rules and regulations including the commercial confidentiality of those bidding for the contract.
The full details of how this competition will be designed and run are not yet finalised. However, I can confirm that the scheme is designed to subsidise the initial capital cost of providing the actual physical broadband connection and, that under the rules applying to the EU funding for the scheme, we are precluded from subsidising monthly tariffs for the service provided.
