Mr. James Claffey:

That is our estimate, but we have found out in recent weeks that the figure could be significantly higher. Broadband service in some areas is 1 Mb and 2 Mb, and in some cases it is non-existent. If fibre-optic broadband was delivered, it would be of huge benefit not only to the quality of life for residents in rural areas but also in terms of investment and business. If broadband was brought up to the level that exists in major towns and cities, there could be the creation of 10,000 jobs through the creative economy. It would encourage people to work from home and to run online businesses.