Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 November 2008
250 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date he will provide a better speed broadband to Fanad, County Donegal; his views on whether the lack of a modern broadband service in Fanad undermines business in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40204/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.
There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In this regard my Department has undertaken to implement a National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. It will bridge the digital divide, create greater equality in terms of social and economic inclusion and remove the disadvantage caused by a lack of broadband services. It will also facilitate competition in the broadband market in the regions leading to greater choice, quality and value for money to the consumer.
Two bids from eircom Ltd and Hutchison 3G Ireland have been received in response to the NBS Invitation to Tender. These bids are currently being evaluated and the evaluation process is scheduled for completion shortly. The contract is expected to be signed this month.
It is important to note that in addition to fixed landline broadband, otherwise known as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or broadband over telephone lines, broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms including cable, satellite, fixed wireless and increasingly mobile. I understand that Fanad already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.
