Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 368: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a broadband service will be provided in an area (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19860/09]

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

My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 is currently planning the construction and rollout of the required infrastructure for the purposes of the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets are contained in the contract with 3. Services were launched in a small number of rural areas at the end of April and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.

While Fahy, Westport, County Mayo will be covered by the NBS, 3 is not in a position, at this juncture, to predict the progression of site rollout in advance of obtaining the necessary planning permissions. One month prior to the NBS being launched in any given area, 3 will implement a marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability. The campaign will include, inter alia, local press and outdoor advertising.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 369: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list in table format each area provided for under MANs phase II; the cost or expected cost for each area; the number of customer connections to date for each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20056/09]

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

The appendix below details the Phase II networks completed under the (MANs), the length of the network per town and the overall cost per region. A procurement process for the appointment of a Managed Service Entity (MSE) to manage the Phase II MANs is almost completed. Once appointed, the MSE will market the Phase II MANs to service providers. The service providers will be in a position to offer their services using the state-of-the-art networks in the regional towns. Until such time as the MSE is appointed, interim arrangements have been put in place to allow service providers to use the MANs to meet their needs. Four service providers are currently offering services on the Phase II MANs. It is expected that the number of service providers will increase once the MSE is in place.

Service providers are deemed as "customers" of the MANs. In other words, a service provider, as a customer of a MAN, uses the MAN to offer services on to the service provider's own customers. Service providers use the MANs to compete for voice and data services over a range of platforms including: · Unbundled local loop; · Mobile wireless; · Fixed wireless; · Cable; · Partial private circuits; and · Directly connected fibre.

Information relating to the use of the MANs by service providers, including the numbers of customers served by each service provider, the number of customers who have opted out and ongoing maintenance costs, is commercially sensitive and a matter for the Management Services Entity and each service provider. Appendix

Phase II Metropolitan Area Networks