Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. Currently, there is no universal service obligation, USO, in respect of high-speed broadband provision. The USO in place relates solely to voice telephony and functional Internet access to a level of 28.8 kbps and is provided for under the EU regulatory framework governing telecoms. The introduction of a USO would give a legal right to individuals to request a broadband connection from a provider at a minimum speed that would have to be defined. The USO provisions in respect of voice telephony have ensured voice services are available nationwide. Where high-speed broadband networks are available, a USO could provide a useful tool to ensure all premises within a network area would have a connection.

While the current EU regulatory framework only provides for a basic broadband USO, the review of the regulatory framework which is due to commence later this year will give member states an opportunity to include a high-speed broadband USO as part of any new framework. I have already raised this issue with my ministerial colleagues at the Council of Ministers. The national broadband plan, NBP, intervention will effectively act as a USO by ensuring every home, school and business in the intervention area is capable of having an affordable high-speed broadband connection for the entire period of the contract.

The question of a USO in rural areas may arise when the 25-year contract expires but not until then. This could provide a useful regulatory vehicle so as to ensure affordable services continue to be provided for all consumers in the area. Effective regulation such as the introduction of a USO can deal with many of the concerns that may arise in the coming years and on the expiry of any contract awarded by the State. My officials and I are also discussing with ComReg the possibility of introducing a broadband USO as a future-proofing measure so as to ensure no premises will be left without a service in areas not covered by the NBP intervention.

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