Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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349. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the legislation that has been introduced to set a minimum standard for broadband speed access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6407/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The delivery of specific broadband speeds to end users is dependent on a number of variables including the equipment used by the consumer, distance from the consumer to the access point in the network, core network traffic and the capacity of the server being accessed in the case of the internet.

Speed may also be affected by the use of a wireless router or “wifi” in the consumer premises. Almost all of these factors are beyond the control of the service provider.

In addition, broadband speeds in the marketplace are currently evolving rapidly, and are likely to continue to do so in the future, as new technologies and enhancements arise. Accordingly, it may not be appropriate to include a provision in primary legislation providing for penalties for non-delivery of advertised speeds.

I understand that ComReg has taken a number of proactive initiatives to address consumer concerns with respect to speeds including working closely with the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland and providing enhanced information on this matter on its website.

I am also advised that ComReg has recently secured industry agreement to participate in a pilot project to measure and report on broadband speeds measured at the point of access to the premises. This would measure speeds prior to any of the variables I outlined above occurring within a customer’s premises. I understand ComReg plans to launch this pilot in Quarter 2 of this year and I look forward to the outcome of this pilot.

I share the concerns that I know many of my colleagues have about advertised speeds versus those that are experienced by consumers. I note however that much of the current significant investment being made by commercial operators involves emphasis on fibre and fibre-powered connectivity. I am confident that these fibre-based investments, together with the State-led investment planned under the National Broadband Plan will significantly enhance the overall level of service quality for customers.