Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 116: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding broadband user figures here; business uptake of broadband and price; and if he is satisfied with these figures in relation to OECD averages. [5272/07]

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

The latest Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) quarterly report states there are 436,700 broadband subscribers at end of Quarter 3 2006, which represents a year-on-year increase of 106%. Seventy-one per cent of total broadband subscribers were classified as residential subscriptions and 29 per cent were businesses. (Source: ComReg Irish Communications Market: Key Data Report — December 2006). It is estimated that as of end of December 2006, there are well over 450,000 broadband subscribers. ComReg commissions Teligen to produce independent price benchmarking of broadband prices in the residential market across a number of EU Member States.

Ireland is ranked fifth best priced DSL package in Lowest Monthly Rental ADSL Basket — November 2006, which is currently five places less expensive than the EU average in this analysis. (Source: ComReg Irish Communications Market: Key Data Report — December 2006 p. 24.) Ireland is ranked in ninth place in the ranking for Lowest Monthly Rental Cable and DSL Basket — November 2006, which is one place less expensive than the EU average price for this basket. (Source: ComReg Irish Communications Market: Key Data Report — December 2006 p. 25.)

The last available OECD figures on Broadband penetration are a snapshot from end of Quarter 2, 2006. As can be seen from comparison with the figures above there has been a significant improvement in Ireland's performance since then.