Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

11:00 pm

John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied with on-going progress in relation to provision of broadband facilities throughout the country, and in particular provision of local loop unbundling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24846/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel 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.

Promotion and regulation of Local Loop unbundling is the responsibility of ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act of 2002 and the transposed EU regulatory framework for Electronic Communications Networks and Services. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions.

A principal reason for the slow rollout of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas.

The Government in partnership with the Local Authorities is addressing the broadband infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. These networks are offering these towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will contribute to balanced regional development and 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 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. I expect to launch further schemes of this nature 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.

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of investment by Government in broadband infrastructure; the percentage of the country which has adequate infrastructure to permit those wishing to access broadband to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24847/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel 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.

The rate of broadband uptake is dependent on a combination of factors. These include access by the private sector service providers to suitable infrastructure, as well as competition between broadband service providers and demand conditions for broadband in the economy and in society in general.

A principal reason for the slow rollout of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas.

The Government in partnership with the Local Authorities is addressing the broadband infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Total investment over the duration n of the National Development Plan will be in the order of €200m. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. These networks are offering these towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will contribute to balanced regional development and 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 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. I expect to launch further schemes of this nature 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. There are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to any customer in Ireland at the moment.

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the estimated number of people in the north City and County Dublin area that have been denied broadband access due to inadequate infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel 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 Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie lists all service providers offering broadband services in both North City and County Dublin, and gives contact details for each company, together with prices for the various service levels on offer.

My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed, open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in 53 towns in North County Dublin; Skerries, Donabate, Lusk, Kinsealy and Portrane. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

For rural communities and the hinterlands of larger towns, my Department offers funding under the County and Group Broadband Scheme to enable these communities to become self-sufficient in broadband, in association with the service providers. I expect to launch further schemes of this nature shortly. Full details of the scheme, including application procedures, are available on the website www.gbs.gov.ie.

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