Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The policy framework for future broadband development is set out in the consultation paper on next generation broadband which I published last July. A central objective is that Ireland will have universal access to broadband by end 2009 to early 2010 and that by 2012 our broadband speeds will equal or exceed those in other EU regions. That paper also sets out a number of specific actions to be rolled out over the coming period. These include the national broadband scheme, access to State broadband assets, high level broadband connectivity to second level schools and new businesses. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Delivery of broadband investment is primarily a matter for the private sector. Such investment has seen significant improvement in recent years in terms of coverage, speeds, price, competition and platform availability.

Government intervention will be targeted at those areas where the market is not able to deliver and where the State has the opportunity to use its infrastructure and services to improve broadband provision. In the short term the focus is on the national broadband scheme. The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. It will bridge the digital divide, create greater equality in terms of social and economic inclusion and remove the disadvantage caused by a lack of broadband services. It will also facilitate competition in the broadband market in the regions leading to greater choice, quality and value for money to the consumer.

Two bids, from Eircom Limited and Hutchison 3G Ireland, have been received in response to the NBS invitation to tender. These bids are currently being evaluated and the evaluation process is scheduled for completion shortly. The contract is expected to be signed in November 2008.

Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, roll-out of services is expected to begin shortly after the contract is signed. The chosen service provider will be required to complete the roll-out of services within 22 months of the contract award. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS will be met.

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