Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 2 December 2020
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection
Rural Hubs, Broadband and Mobile Phone Coverage in Rural Ireland: Department of Rural and Community Development
Dr. Stjohn O'Connor:
I will come back on one point from Deputy Ó Cuív. It is important that I make this clarification. Broadband connection points, BCPs, are not a replacement for fibre. They are there to address a gap while the fibre is rolled out. Very interestingly, we are connecting our first direct fibre BCPs, which are currently wireless connectivity. The intention is, and it is our view, that all the BCPs will convert into fibre BCPs for all the reasons we have discussed today. Just because there is fibre in everybody's home it does not invalidate the need for the BCP. The first one of these will be connected in the new year, which is a trial run. Obviously, the kit and how it all hangs together needs to be tested. Again, it is really important to understand that it is not a replacement for fibre to the premises. It is an offering for the community. That is very important.
No comments