Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding implementing the monitoring of the quality of broadband initiative, encompassing independent in-country monitoring of broadband speed, quality and access; whether he or ComReg intends to issue a tender for the job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34536/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The regulation of telecommunications operators, including regulatory issues surrounding the quality of broadband services provided to customers, is the responsibility of the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Surveys undertaken for ComReg during 2010 indicate high levels of satisfaction with residential and broadband speeds. Additionally, less than 2.4% of consumer complaints to ComReg in the year to July 2010 related to broadband speeds. In March 2008, the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland, guided by ComReg and the National Consumer Agency, issued an Advice Note to Broadband Providers which has had a positive impact in aligning speeds advertised with speeds experienced.

More recently, my Department, in collaboration with ComReg, has been considering how best to generate additional statistical analysis of broadband speeds experienced by end users over the competing platforms in Ireland. In the course of developing the various measurement and related requirements to be inserted in a proposed invitation to tender document, a number of issues have arisen and these issues are currently under consideration. I have asked for an update on the matter as soon as possible, with a view to proceeding with the study.