Written answers

Thursday, 29 May 2008

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to provide broadband access outside the main urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19792/08]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps which he is taking to ensure the roll out of broadband in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19791/08]

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position of the national broadband scheme; if the NBS will include areas that to date can only access expensive and slow broadband with no competition in the same area as well as areas that have no access to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21373/08]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 47 and 53 together.

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.

The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers.

The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant-aid under the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.

The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of one of the candidates, the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected in August 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

My Department has recently received notice of Judicial Review proceedings regarding certain elements of the NBS mapping process. These proceedings are currently before the Commercial Court and due for hearing on 10 and 11 June 2008. A speedy conclusion of the matter has been requested in order to advance the NBS as quickly as possible.

Finally, I welcome the roll out of all electronic communication infrastructure by service providers, which increases competition in the market. Increased competition gives rise to better quality services, increased choice and more competitive prices, all of which are good for the Irish consumer.

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