Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2012
262 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in Derrygrath, Cahir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22963/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's telecommunications market has been liberalised 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. Details of broadband services available on a county-by-county basis can be found on the Commission for Communications Regulation's (ComReg) website at www.callcosts.ie.
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. The general area of Derrygrath, Cahir, County Tipperary, is covered under the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Broadband services under this Scheme are available since October 2010, from the NBS service provider, 3, to persons with a fixed residence or fixed business in all NBS designated areas, including Derrygrath.
In keeping with State Aid clearance for the Scheme, the broadband service contracted under the NBS is an affordable, scaleable product, which currently offers minimum speeds of 1.6 Mbps download and 1.2 Mbps upload subject to a maximum contention ratio. As regards service quality, my Department has well-established monitoring arrangements in place to ensure that the NBS delivers the minimum specified service or better to all users. The NBS contract guarantees service levels and imposes a service credit regime on 3, with significant financial consequences in the event that minimum specification service levels are not met.
Any residents in NBS areas, who wish to subscribe to the service, can contact 3 at 1800 944794, or can sign up online at www.three.ie.
The combination of private investment and State interventions in broadband provision means that Ireland will meet the EU Commission's Digital Agenda for Europe target of having a basic broadband service available to all areas by 2013.
The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. With basic broadband services now widely available across Ireland, the challenge is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which I convened last summer, has had an important role to play in this regard. It comprises the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies operating in the Irish market, as well as CEOs of some other companies that provide broadband services. The purpose of the Taskforce, among other things, was to assist in developing a roadmap for the development of next generation networks across Ireland. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Taskforce report was published last week. The report notes that by 2015 over 50% of the population will have access to high speed broadband services with speeds in excess of 70 Mbps. The report also highlights areas where Government and industry can work together to facilitate the roll out of high speed services across Ireland, and particularly in areas where the case for commercial investment is marginal.
Following on the publication of the Taskforce report, I have also launched a 4 weekconsultation process, which can be accessed at the following link: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Communications+Policy/Report+of+the+Next+ Generation+Broadband+Taskforce+and+Consultation.htm.
Any submissions or observations can be made electronically to nextgenerationbroadband@dcenr.gov.ie or tweet to @BroadbandPlan12 by close of business on Thursday 31 May 2012. The purpose of this consultation is to provide further input to this important policy area. Thereafter, it is my intention to bring proposals to Government for a National Broadband Plan for Ireland. This plan will build on the recent excellent progress made and be informed by the findings of the Taskforce and subsequent consultations.
