Written answers

Thursday, 14 December 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

7:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has set 2012 as the date for switching off the analogue signal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43673/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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A digital terrestrial television (DTT) pilot programme is currently being implemented by my Department. The purpose of the pilot is to bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to test and trial various aspects of the service.

The DTT pilot is now in the "soft trial" phase during which the network and user technologies will be tested. The initial transmission sites are at Clermont Carn in the northeast and Three Rock covering parts of the Dublin region. The trial is planned to continue over a two-year timeframe and will provide the opportunity for technical and user testing of both existing and new broadcast services, including both television and audio services.

My Department is preparing legislation with regard to DTT with a view to facilitating a national roll-out.

It is anticipated that the pilot will generate awareness and discussion among interested parties in a full national roll-out of digital terrestrial television. As the trial progresses and proposals are developed for a national rollout of digital terrestrial television, the question of possible analogue switch-off dates will be considered.

Switch-off of analogue television services is being strongly advocated by the European Commission, with 2012 a target date suggested by the Commission. While the pilot is under way, I intend to hold discussions with all relevant stakeholders around the issue of digital switchover.

When decisions have been taken about the nature and timing of analogue switch over, it will be necessary to ensure that Irish viewers are fully informed of all the issues arising.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will establish a tendering process to achieve the 100% broadband enablement of Ireland; the amount this process will cost; the timeframe for commencement of the tendering process; the way he will structure the tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43674/06]

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. There are many areas of the country where for demographic or other reasons the private sector has been slow to respond to demand for broadband. In cases where the market is seen to have failed, my Department is addressing the investment shortfall in infrastructure using a combination of Government and ERDF funding through the Regional Broadband Programme.

Despite Government investment in broadband in the regions 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 by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg. I expect to finalise proposals shortly.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is still examining proposals for a new semi-State telecoms company; if Project Dingle is still under consideration in his Department; the discussions he has had with all the relevant semi-State bodies regarding the telecommunications infrastructure and the development of a new telecoms operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43675/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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In April 2005 a team of advisers 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, regulatory, operational and organisational challenges in harnessing and enhancing the existing state owned infrastructures. My Department is considering options to enhance competitive backhaul connectivity.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the cost to date of phase 1 of the MANs; the estimated cost of phases 2 and 3 of the MANs; the amount of the MANs network that is currently lit; the level of uptake on the MANs; if he will report on the recent contact his Department has had with the MANs operator; if he will continue with the current level of funding, if the present multi-million euro level of losses continues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43676/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The total cost of Phase One of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) was approximately €85 million. Phase Two is estimated to cost in the region of €140 million.

The 27 Phase One networks are complete and open for business. They have been handed over to the Management Services Entity, e-net, who manage, market and maintain the networks on behalf of the State. e-net had sixty-nine customer contracts in place with service providers by the end of October 2006.

My Department maintains regular contact with e-net to ensure that it is meeting its obligations. e-net's contractual obligations for the management, operation and maintenance of the MANs are set out in the Concession Agreement between my Department and e-net. Tight controls exist within the Concession Agreement to closely monitor e-net's performance. e-net formally reports to my Department on a quarterly basis and is obliged to file various documents throughout the contract term dealing with its activities. e-net also publishes an annual set of accounts.

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