Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 228: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, following the announcement of the withdrawal of companies (details supplied) from the procurement process for the provision of broadband services to areas of rural Ireland, a preferred bidder has been selected for the provision of this service to target areas such as east Galway; when it is anticipated that these services will be available to these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44119/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On the 25 November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process.

The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December. 3 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, including any unserved areas in east Galway, will be met.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be made available to Williamstown, County Galway; if the commitment given by Eircom to a local committee in Williamstown, that Williamstown will be broadband enabled in the second quarter of 2009 still stands; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this parish like so many others in rural Ireland is at a disadvantage as a result of a lack of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44294/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. 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.

I have no role in private sector broadband infrastructure investment undertaken by broadband service providers. However, it is hoped that the facilitation of greater competition in the sector via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms, will encourage more rapid enabling of all exchanges for broadband.

I would add that, in addition to fixed landline broadband, otherwise known as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or broadband over telephone lines, broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms including cable, fixed wireless and increasingly mobile. I understand that Williamstown, County Galway already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.