Written answers

Thursday, 29 May 2008

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which broadband availability here compares with standards, quality and speed available in other EU member states; his plans to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21632/08]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, 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. Details on broadband availability throughout the country are available on www.broadband.gov.ie.

The role of Government is to ensure that the appropriate regulatory regime is in place and to invest directly in certain circumstances, that is, in cases of market failure, for economic and social inclusion reasons and to enhance and support regional competitiveness.

The latest figures from the OECD (December 2007) show that Ireland experienced one of the fastest rates of growth in broadband take-up in the OECD. ComReg's latest report shows that we have a penetration rate per capita of over 20%, which equates to over 44% of Irish households at the end of September 2007. I expect that ComReg data for quarter 1 of 2008 will confirm that over 50% of households had broadband at the end of March this year.

In Ireland there is evidence on the supply side of greater bandwidth being made available at lower prices such as the recent offerings by two companies of 12 Mbps and 15 Mbps at €40 and €45 per month respectively.

The latest OECD report also highlights weaknesses in broadband development across the OECD and identifies policy issues.

Internationally, telecommunications is moving to next generation broadband to deliver greater quality, speed and service to the consumer. This is happening where there is strong competition and incentives to innovate. I will shortly publish for consultation a policy paper that will set a framework for investment by the private sector in next generation broadband. The paper will also set out what I believe is the optimal role for Government in facilitating the roll out of next generation networks.

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