Written answers

Thursday, 9 November 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 152: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent and nature of discussions he has had with State or semi-State bodies, such as Bord Na Mona, the ESB, Iarnród Éireann or others, in connection with a proposal to provide alternative, independent or State controlled telecommunications infrastructure, with particular reference to the provision of broadband nationwide; if he will publish the report available to him in this regard; if he will act on the recommendations of the said report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37292/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel 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.

In April 2005 a team of advisors was engaged to examine the potential for enhancing and augmenting existing state owned infrastructure. This team submitted a Feasibility Report in December 2005. The report found that, while technically feasible, there would be considerable financial, legal, regulators, operational and organisational challenges in harnessing and enhancing the existing state owned infrastructures. It is not my intention to publish the report to the extent of the commercially sensitive information contained in it.

As regards the deployment of broadband infrastructure, 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 manages a number of interventions to incentivise broadband deployment nationwide.

The 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. The networks offer towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

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 private sector.

My Department's Group Broadband Scheme, which offered funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities. To date, 162 projects have been approved for funding. The most recent phase of the scheme is now closed and the question of a further round of financial assistance for the provision of broadband in rural areas is currently under consideration.

Despite Government investment in broadband through the regional broadband programme, there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address the gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.