14 Márta 2013, 11:50
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this morning engaged in wideranging discussion on broadband delivery with representatives from ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation.
14 March 2013
Chairman of the Committee Tom Hayes TD says: “We thank ComReg representatives this morning for a detailed update on broadband delivery. We heard that ComReg’s role is to design regulatory mechanisms that maximise investment in broadband infrastructure nationwide and to ensure fair competition in the sector. The issue of Eircom’s proposed discount in its wholesale line rental pricing was raised and we heard ComReg explain that this initiative would not adversely impact on rural users.
“We take on board the general trend that increased investment in infrastructure is driving increases in broadband speeds. However, while we understand the challenges of delivering high quality broadband to a dispersed population, Committee Members raised concerns that these advances were not being enjoyed by the entire population. Committee Members raised concerns about the slower speeds of broadband in rural areas, and the impact of this on the small business, farming and education sectors. A number of Members also pointed to the imperative of high speed broadband in attracting high-tech indigenous and foreign direct investment.”
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Committee Membership
Deputies
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin
Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil
Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin
Terence Flanagan, Fine Gael
Tom Fleming, Independent
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Tom Hayes, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Seán Kenny, Labour
Eamonn Moloney, Labour
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil
Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Ann Phelan, Labour
Brian Walsh, Fine Gael
Senators
Terry Brennan
Sean D. Barrett
Eamonn Coghlan
Paschal Mooney
Ned O’Sullivan
John Whelan