Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the locations for satellite broadband have been identified under the national broadband scheme awarded to a company (details supplied) earlier in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39817/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) contract guarantees that broadband connectivity will be available to 100% of the buildings within the NBS coverage areas. In recognition of the fact that some areas will be very costly and technologically challenging to reach using standard infrastructure, a limited number of residences and businesses in the NBS coverage area may be covered by a satellite service.

The NBS contract defines specific thresholds and circumstances under which satellite can be deployed and allows for a maximum of 8% of residences and businesses to be served utilising satellite technology. It is anticipated that the actual deployment of satellite will be around 5% of residences and businesses within the NBS coverage area. It is a matter for the NBS service provider, "3", to decide where a satellite solution will be deployed.