Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 348: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason a company (details supplied) are not being allowed to proceed to tender for the provision of broadband in eight locations in the region; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the alternative wireless methodology of delivering broadband serviced is considered inferior to what was previously agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30677/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

However, it has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. 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 the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under the first phase and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. The second phase extends the programme to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the sector.

Shannon Broadband Limited (SBL) is acting as an agent for the Local Authorities in the Shannon region to construct eight networks. SBL have submitted detailed designs to my Department for technical consideration. Both fibre and wireless methodologies are capable of delivering high-speed broadband solutions. I hope that SBL will be in a position to issue construction tenders shortly.