Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of broadband in an area (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects residents in this location to be able to connect to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45122/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter, in the first instance, 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 now concluded Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is nearing completion. The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services.

On the 25th of November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, had been selected as the preferred tenderer for the 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 County Tipperary, like Toomevara, will be met.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of broadband in an area (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects residents in this location to be able to connect to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45123/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter, in the first instance, 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.

It is important to note 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, satellite, fixed wireless and increasingly mobile. I understand that Birdhill already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding which is available for the roll out of wireless broadband services in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45270/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter, in the first instance, 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.

There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In this regard, my Department has undertaken to implement a National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. It will bridge the digital divide, create greater equality in terms of social and economic inclusion and remove the disadvantage caused by a lack of broadband services. It will also facilitate competition in the broadband market in the regions leading to greater choice, quality and value for money to the consumer. On the 25th of November 2008 I announced that 3, a Hutchison Whampoa company, had been selected as the preferred tenderer for the NBS following the conclusion of a comprehensive competitive procurement process. The NBS contract is expected to be signed with 3 by mid-December.