Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the provision of broadband throughout the country with particular reference to the entire island; if achievements in this jurisdiction are equal to those elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2035/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The telecommunications sectors in both jurisdictions are fully liberalised but regulated, by ComReg in the Republic and by Ofcom in Northern Ireland. While private sector broadband infrastructure is currently more extensive in Northern Ireland and the percentage of broadband subscribers is higher, the gap continues to narrow. My Department and Northern Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment are jointly implementing the €7 million, EU supported, INTERREG IIIa initiative, which is funding a number of projects to improve broadband connectivity in Border areas.

Ireland's relatively low ranking against other European countries in terms of broadband connections reflects the late launch of competitive, affordable broadband by private broadband service providers in Ireland and a slow take-up by consumers.

However, the situation is improving rapidly. In 2004 there were more than 80 Internet service providers, today there are more than 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 Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open access, carrier neutral 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 so far delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. This programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide and these MANs are due for completion 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, more than 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 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.