Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1126: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal invest in the provision of broadband in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47841/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1127: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to provide broadband on all islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47862/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1126 and 1127 together.

While the provision of broadband is a matter for the 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 including inhabited offshore Island and rural areas. 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.

Following the conclusion of a competitive tendering process, my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the NBS. The NBS will deliver broadband to certain targeted areas in Ireland in which broadband services are not available. 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that fall within the NBS and who seek a service. In order to facilitate competition in the area, 3 will also be required to provide wholesale access to any other authorised operator who wishes to serve residences and businesses in the NBS area. 3 is currently planning the roll out of the NBS and the first services will be deployed this Spring. Details of the areas to be covered by "3" under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.