Written answers

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Photo of Michael MoynihanMichael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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21. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the mapping process for the national broadband plan will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51574/13]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The objective of the national mapping exercise under the National Broadband Plan is to identify and map current and planned broadband services, both basic and next generation access (NGA). The process for participating in the mapping exercise has been published on my Department’s website () and notified to all undertakings authorised by ComReg. Information has been sought from participating operators in respect of current coverage as well as investments planned up to July 2016 and beyond, where appropriate. Mapping data has been submitted to my Department by a total of 23 operators and the process of analysing the data and supporting information is now underway. The mapping data is being assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the EU State Aid Guidelines and engagement with participating operators is ongoing. When all of the information has been analysed, a clear picture should emerge of coverage throughout all of the country. It is my intention to publish the map showing existing and planned NGA broadband coverage in the early months of next year, along with the Government’s proposals for a State-led intervention to roll out high speed broadband across the country.

Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations, including stakeholder engagement, are ongoing. The procurement process for the approved intervention will be carried out in accordance with EU and Irish procurement rules and it is expected that it will be launched in 2014.

Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, I am committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland have access to high speed broadband, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.

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