Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
270. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 985 of 18 September 2012, when the formal national mapping exercise to determine the exact position in relation to commercial service providers existing and planned broadband service throughout the State will be completed. [40531/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan contains a very clear commitment that my Department will undertake a full mapping exercise in respect of high speed broadband deployment. This important exercise will formally define the levels of investment that will be met by industry and clearly identify those areas in which a State intervention will be required.
My Department has already begun some of the necessary preparatory work, and the full mapping will commence as soon as the current spectrum auction being managed by ComReg is completed and final decisions are taken by the ComReg in respect of Next Generation Access regulation. It is necessary that both these processes are finalised before the mapping exercise begins, as they will critically inform the investment plans for telecommunications service providers over the coming years.
I have already emphasised to industry the importance of my Department securing full cooperation from all the commercial operators in completing this aspect of the Plan’s implementation.
