Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a preferred bidder has been appointed for the national broadband scheme; and the timetable for the full roll out of the national broadband scheme. [37325/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department has reached the evaluation stage of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) procurement process. Two bids have been received from eircom Ltd and Hutchison 3G Ireland. The evaluation of bids is scheduled for completion shortly and the contract is expected to be signed in November. Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, roll out of services is expected to begin shortly after the contract is signed. The chosen service provider will be required to complete the roll out of services within 22 months of the contract award. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS will be met.