Dáil debates

Thursday, 27 January 2022

National Broadband Plan: Statements

 

2:45 pm

Photo of Ossian SmythOssian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I take his point about wireless operators. I have spoken to some such operators, but now that he says it, I could speak to more. It is a good point. Typically in rural Ireland, broadband is provided by a fixed wireless operator. Somebody erects a mast and it covers the valley. When I stayed in Ballydehob, I was able to get a perfectly good service from a wireless operator, so I understand. The idea with NBI is that when fibre comes to the area, the wireless operator can write to all their customers and say it is switching them over to fibre and it can take a payment as a reseller for the fibre in that area. Any of the wireless operator's customers who want to switch can do so and anyone who wants to continue can do that. I think the point the Deputy is making is that somebody might turn off their wireless service. Is that what he was saying?

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