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

We are seeking a USO because we feel it is probably the most effective way to deal with isolated cases in the blue area relating to the national broadband plan. There are places in Dublin 1 and Dublin 2 that cannot get high-speed broadband. We believe that the only way to enable them to do so is through a USO. We are trying to deal with issues, including those relating to local authorities, as they arise. The issues are not necessarily all on the side of the telecommunications company. The numbers on the national broadband plan vary at different times depending on the volumes of work that exist. We bring in specific contractors. We have seconded staff from some of the other agencies as well to work with us on this. The number varies from time to time. The Deputy asked when people will get broadband. The roll-out of fibre to homes in rural areas has already started. Some of my constituents have told me they have been contacted by some telecommunications operators to offer them fibre broadband with speeds of up to 1 Gbit. That has already started. We intend to fast-track the commercial roll-out in conjunction with the broadband and mobile phone coverage task force to ensure as many households as possible can access a minimum level of service to meet their current needs while fibre broadband is being rolled out to their homes.

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