Written answers

Tuesday, 21 November 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

9:00 am

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he will take to provide a State controlled broadband and telephone network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38579/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated where appropriate by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of Government is to implement regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of affordable, high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. The Government has recognised, however, that a lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary telecommunications infrastructure has acted as an impediment to the speedy rollout of competitive, affordable broadband services in Ireland, principally in the regions. In partnership with local and regional authorities, the Government is funding the construction of high-speed, open-access telecommunications networks, known as Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), in around 120 towns and cities nationwide. These publicly owned networks are offered on a wholesale, non-discriminatory basis to multiple private sector telecommunications operators to enable them to offer a range of telecommunications services directly to consumers.

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