Written answers

Tuesday, 12 February 2008

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 651: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress or otherwise in respect of the roll out of broadband through the MANs contract in the south east region; the finance spent to date and the number of connections made; when all such connections will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4751/08]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Under Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme six MANs have been constructed in the South East region: Carlow, Clonmel, Dungarvan, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. To date €14.7m has been spent on these six MANs. All six MANs are complete and are fully open for business. They have been handed over to the Managed Services Entity, eNet, who manage, market, operate and maintain the networks on behalf of the State.

Of these six MANs, 20 operators are using them to compete for voice and data services over a range of platforms including:

Unbundled local loop;

Mobile wireless;

Fixed wireless;

Cable;

Partial private circuits; and

Directly connected fibre.

While the operators' data covering their customers is commercially sensitive, I understand from eNet that an estimated 600,000 people are using the 27 phase I MANs on a daily basis. Five MANs are currently under construction under Phase II of the MANs Programme in the South East region: Cahir, Cashel, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary and Thomastown. These five MANs are expected to cost €9.5m and construction of all five will be completed by the end of quarter 1, 2008.

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