Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 512: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the telephone exchanges that will be modified for the provision of broadband services in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7455/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned by private companies. However, it is hoped that the facilitation of greater competition in the area via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms will encourage the more rapid enabling of all exchanges for broadband.

I also welcome eircom's commitment to invest significantly to enable 319 exchanges over the next two years in order to allow up to 140,000 new customers to connect to a broadband enabled exchange.