Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
396. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will embark on an advertising campaign for the national broadband plan in advance of the beginning of the roll-out of fibre; if so, the nature of the campaign; the budget for the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48929/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract, which was signed on 19 November, sets out the communication and demand stimulation requirements that must be undertaken as part of the contract. These include the development and implementation of communications campaigns and initiatives to maximise awareness and demand on the network. NBI is obliged to execute these communications plans before, during and post the deployment of the NBP network in each geographical area.
My Department will also continue to raise awareness among the general public on the objectives of the NBP, the rollout of the service and the benefits of high speed broadband.
It is important to note that the purpose of a communications campaign and initatives to maximise awareness will be to increase the take-up of high speed broadband. It will be important to highlight the the opportunities that are presented by the digital economy, from health care to farming, and from education to agriculture, rural development, jobs and tourism. From a financial point of view, a higher uptake of high speed broadband can also reduce the cost to the State of the National Broadband Plan, through the utilisation of clawback provisions contained within the contract.
