Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 277: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the mechanisms used to determine funding for the installation of broadband to the various towns where it has been agreed to install such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31266/06]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 278: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of towns that have broadband installed; the cost to his Department of such installations; the plans to further extend the number of towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31267/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 278 together.

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. The majority of towns now have at least one provider offering broadband services.

However, it has been clear for some time that the private 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 120 towns and cities nationwide. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country with a total of €80 million funding provided by my Department. ENet the Management Services Entity, is currently managing those completed networks.

In planning the second phase of the MANs programme, a review of the availability of DSL broadband in the regions showed over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that were not being offered a broadband service by the private sector, and these towns have been targeted for the provision of MANs under Phase Two. €80 million in funding has been earmarked for this second phase between 2005 and 2007.

A further phase of the Programme to include medium-sized towns with a MAN is also being considered.

My Department also offers funding assistance for underserved smaller towns and rural communities with a population of less than 1,500, through the Group Broadband Scheme. The project proposals should demonstrate that the service is technically and commercially viable on an ongoing basis, after initial start up support. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 160 projects have been approved for funding of €5,890,000 in total, under this Programme. The projects cover over 575 communities with a combined population of over 410,000. The most recent call for proposals has now closed and the question of a further round of financial assistance is under consideration.

However despite these interventions, there will still be some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. I am currently examining options to address the delivery of broadband services to these areas and I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to Government shortly.