Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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189. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 198 of 16 November 2017, the interim solutions he will put in place to ensure interim broadband for persons that are being forced to wait for an internet broadband solution (details supplied). [51383/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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In response to Question 198 of 16 November 2017, I noted that an official from my Department had provided a detailed report outlining the status of High Speed Broadband availability in the area to the individual named in that question.  While the premises referenced in that question falls within an AMBER area and will be covered through the State led Intervention under the NBP, I informed the Deputy that there are at least two commercial operators (including mobile and Fixed wireless) that are capable of providing an interim solution for broadband for the premises in the original question.  I recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland and fully appreciate the frustration for businesses and communities that do not currently have access to this level of connectivity.  Delivering connectivity under the NBP remains a Government priority. 

In parallel with the NBP, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July 2016, I established the Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the NBP State intervention.

The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report containing 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Report is available on my Department's website.

The Implementation Group I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. Meetings were held in March and July and the most recent took place on 22 November.

Achievements to date by the Taskforce include:

- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;

- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies, including Government working closely with local authorities to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs which will be connected at an early date after award of the NBP contract;

- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map;

- most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development;

- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms operators.

The Taskforce is also making progress on two of its actions focussed on tackling blackspots in coverage.

In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for the introduction of 5G, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage.

All of these initiatives will assist in improving the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.