Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken to ensure the availability of state of the art telecommunications here with a view to ensuring a competitive edge on international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2020/06]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his target in respect of the provision of broadband services throughout the country; if this is in accord with his original estimate in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2036/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he proposes to develop the telecommunications industry in view of the strides made in other jurisdictions and the degree to which Ireland is playing catch up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2059/06]

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects a cost effective, efficient and reliable broadband service availability throughout the country; his plans to address deficiencies in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2032/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 137, 157 and 215 together.

The provision of telecommunications services and the development and roll-out of telecommunications technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself. The telecoms market is fully liberalised and regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which is independent in the exercise of its functions.

As Minister with responsibility for policy in this sector, I welcome all new technology developments and progress. I welcome the introduction of more innovation and competition in the sector, the entry of new players and new product offerings from existing and new suppliers, which mean greater choice and lower prices for consumers.

In 2004 there were more than 80 Internet service providers while today there are over 156 companies listed by ComReg, with at least 45 different broadband offerings across a variety of technologies, including DSL, fibre, cable, leased lines and satellite technology. Wireless broadband technology is improving rapidly and the lowering of equipment prices has made this technology much more attractive of late. The use of fixed wireless local access is increasing, especially in rural areas that cannot obtain ADSL connectivity, and the development of Wi-Max offers considerable potential in the future.

In essence, there are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to virtually any broadband customer in Ireland right now. The rate of uptake is dependent on access by the service providers to suitable infrastructure. The latest quarterly data report from ComReg on broadband delivery rates indicates that broadband subscriptions have grown by 19% as of September 2005 and stand at 208,000. DSL remains the largest platform for broadband access, representing 78% of subscriptions and a growth rate of 16% in the last quarter. The proportion of broadband subscriptions delivered over access platforms other than DSL has increased in the last 12 months. The estimated end December 2005 figure for broadband subscribers is 250,000 according to the regulator. The proportion of broadband subscriptions delivered over access platforms other than DSL has increased in the last 12 months.

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide, on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country, which were built on time and under budget.

This programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide. Design and procurement has already commenced in several regions and construction is due to start early in 2006. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These metropolitan area networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the county and group broadband scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this programme.

A joint industry-Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the first half of 2006. The construction-installation phase is now under way and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.

We are the lowest cost country in the OECD for international connectivity; our regional broadband pricing is now on a par with the best in Europe, and the price of basic broadband access is at the EU average. Furthermore, Ireland is now one of the cheapest locations in the world for international leased lines. Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie.