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Telecommunications Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Ceisteanna (356)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

432 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of broadband penetration for small and medium enterprises across the State. [21376/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland's telecommunications market has been open to competition since 1999 and since then has developed into a well-regulated market supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Despite the current economic difficulties, significant private sector investment continues to be made in the provision of broadband products and services.

The State is not a provider of services, except in instances of clear market failure such as in the cases of both the National and Rural Broadband Schemes. Such interventions are always subject to EU State Aid clearance to ensure no unacceptable level of market distortion takes place. Between these private and public investments, at least a basic broadband service is now available right throughout the country including to SMEs. Details of broadband services available on a county-by-county basis can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie.

The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. It will also be a key enabler for SMEs who wish to engage with cloud computing, or to expand their business by transacting online. Generally, high speed services are available for larger businesses. However, access and cost can sometimes be a challenge.

The rate of internet adoption by SMEs continues to be a cause of concern. While Irish consumers have shown a significant enthusiasm for purchasing online, figures suggest that much of this expenditure is going abroad as indigenous firms appear to be slow to embrace the opportunities presented by online marketing and sales. Encouraging and facilitating Irish SMEs to adopt digital in their day-to-day business will be a strong focus of both the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce Report, which will be published tomorrow and the forthcoming National Digital Strategy for which a completion date is the target by year-end.

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