Written answers

Tuesday, 27 March 2007

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

11:00 am

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

Question 423: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the business sector in regard to the availability of broadband; if action is proposed to deal with broadband deficiencies in terms of quality of availability throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11618/07]

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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

I am aware of the importance of the availability of telecommunications services including broadband to ensuring the continued economic and social prosperity of this country. It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in over 120 towns and cities. These MANs will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. My Department has also provided grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme.

However, despite Government and private investment in broadband I am aware that there are still some parts of the country, where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. A Steering Committee comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently finalising a proposed scheme, entitled the National Broadband Scheme which will address the question of availability of broadband to unserved areas. The Steering Committee has meet with Service Providers and key stakeholders on the National Broadband Scheme. The scheme, when it is fully rolled out, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in these unserved areas are met. Work on the design of an appropriate public tender is underway.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.