Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the expected timeframe for the availability of broadband in an area (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19081/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

My Department administers a group broadband scheme which is designed to promote the rollout of broadband access through the establishment of sustainable broadband services in towns, villages, rural hinterlands and under-served areas of larger towns on the basis of local and regional authority coordination and community driven initiatives.

The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I will be launching a further call shortly. My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.