PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 4

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed in regard to the long drawn out delivery of broadband services here and the resultant economic consequences; if he, directly or through the Regulator, will identify the cause or causes for the delay; if his attention has further been drawn to the critical nature of the report on broadband drawn up by the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; if he has proposals or intends to issue instructions to address the issues raised in the report; his proposals to increase the number of service providers in this area with a view to accelerated delivery of services; if he has studied or identified implications for the industry such as local loop unbundling in the event of sale of take-over of Eircom; if his attention has further been drawn to the urgent need for investment in telecommunications infrastructure; his views on the State re-entering this market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

For PRIORITY answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 14056/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

(Mr J Browne)

The development and rollout of broadband technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself in a fully liberalised market. However, broadband providers in Ireland were slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. The delays in broadband roll out can be attributed to the lack of competition between providers and the reduction in investment in infrastructure in the aftermath of the dot-com crash.

The report to which the Deputy refers has been examined in some detail. The report recognises that availability is improving rapidly. The latest Quarterly Data Report from ComReg on delivery rates indicate that broadband subscriptions have increased by 103% from December 2004 to December 2005 and now stand at 270,700. The current level of take-up is consistent with the stage of development of the market.

The report recognises that the roll out of broadband infrastructure in rural areas needs to be maintained. The Government's Regional Broadband Programme is tackling supply side issues and was a direct response to the lack of investment by the private sector. High-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) are being constructed on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities. This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns nationwide. These Metropolitan Area Networks allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

According to the report one of the biggest challenges for Government is demand or "take-up" and Ireland continues to lag behind our OECD partners in this area. Earlier this year, my Department initiated a consultation process to examine the level of d According to the report one of the biggest challenges for Government is demand or "take-up" and Ireland continues to lag behind our OECD partners in this area. Earlier this year, my Department initiated a consultation process to examine the level of demand for broadband services in the Irish market, which concluded in March. The discussion document touched on key demand factors for consumers and asked for possible examples of demand measures by Government and industry, if, indeed, any are necessary. Over 100 responses were received and a wide range of issues were raised, which are currently being examined by officials in the Department for further action.

The third conclusion is Ireland requires strong competition in the market to maintain economic competitiveness. In 2004 there were over 80 Internet service providers, today there are over 150 companies, with at least 45 different broadband offerings. The use of fixed wireless local access is increasing, especially in rural areas that cannot obtain ADSL connectivity, and the development of Wi-Max offers considerable potential in the future.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 189

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the Government's initial target for the provision of broadband to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13859/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J Browne)

The provision of telecommunications services and the development and roll-out of telecommunications technology is primarily a matter for the industry itself. The telecoms market is fully liberalised and regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which is independent in the exercise of its functions, in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Regulations Act 2002.

In comparison to other European counties, private broadband service providers in Ireland were relatively slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. However, the situation is improving rapidly. In late 2004, the Government set a target of 400,000 broadband subscribers to be achieved by the end of 2006. (i.e. almost 10% of population or 27% of households). The Minister's challenge to industry is 500,000 broadband subscribers by end-2006 (i.e. about 12% of the population or 34% of households).

The latest ComReg quarterly report states there are 270,700 broadband subscribers as of end-2005. This is equivalent to 6.6% of the population.

Almost 140,000 new broadband subscribers were added in 2005 - a growth rate of 106% in 2005. This compares to 100,000 new broadband subscribers in 2004.

The Minister is hopeful that the Government target can be met.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 218

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to generate serious interest in the provision of nationwide broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13894/06

REPLY

Minister of State for Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J Browne)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 60 of 6th April 2006.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 192

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects broadband provision, availability and service here to catch up with the leading European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13863/06

REPLY

Minister of State for Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J. Browne)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to question 92 of 21st February 2006.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 186

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the provision of broadband and associated facilities to achieve the same levels as in other jurisdictions with whom we compete; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13856/06

REPLY

Minister of State for Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J. Browne)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to question no. 7 of 6th April 2006.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No.201

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of potential service providers who have so far sought to provide broadband services here; the success they have achieved to date; the reason or reasons for any delay or obstruction; his proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13874/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J Browne)

According to ComReg there are over 150 companies in the Irish market with at least 45 different broadband offerings across a variety of technologies, including Digital Subscriber Lines, fibre, cable, leased lines and satellite technology. In essence, there are broadband technologies that can deliver broadband to any broadband consumer in Ireland right now.

In order to stimulate the market and to address a national infrastructure deficit, the Government, in partnership with local authorities, is funding the construction of high-speed Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. These fibre optic networks are being made available on an open access basis, which means that telecommunications operators can enter the broadband market without the need to build their own networks. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country and a number of operators are already using the MANs to provide enhanced broadband services to their new customers.

This Programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide. Design and procurement has already commenced in several regions and construction is due to over the coming months. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These Metropolitan Area Networks will allow service providers to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

The Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the County and Group Broadband Scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform or service provider for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme.

A joint industry/Government fund of §18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the first half of 2006. The construction/installation phase is now underway, and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION Nos. 60 & 98

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to generate serious interest in the provision of nationwide broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Dan Neville. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13810/06

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the slow rate of progress in the provision of broadband services and facilities here; the action he proposes to take or direction he intends to issue to all involved with a view to ensuring a competitive technological edge for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13784/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J Browne)

I propose to answer questions nos 60 and 98 together.

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully-liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

A principal reason for the slow rollout of broadband services generally has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas.

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country.

This Programme has been extended to over 90 towns in various locations nationwide. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

The Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the County and Group Broadband Scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme.

A joint industry/Government fund of §18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the beginning of 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning, and the Department's wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities around the country. The construction/installation phase is now under way, and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.

In 2004 there were over 80 internet service providers, today there are over 156 companies, with at least 45 different broadband offerings. Wireless broadband technology is improving rapidly, and the lowering of equipment prices has made this technology much more attractive of late. The use of fixed wireless local access is increasing, especially in rural areas that cannot obtain ADSL connectivity, and the development of Wi-Max offers considerable potential in the future.

In late 2004 Minister Dempsey set targets for the industry - to increase subscriber numbers to 400,000 by the end of this year and 500,000 by the end of 2007. When Minister Dempsey set this target, there were only 100,000 subscribers. Current rates to December 2005 stand at 270,700 (or 6.6% penetration rate) and Minister Dempsey hopes that these targets will be achieved.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 202

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Ireland's position in regard to availability, quality and cost of broadband services in the European league; his plans to encourage bringing the services here into line other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13875/06

REPLY

Minister of State for Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J. Browne)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to question 7 of 6th April 2006.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 187

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if provision of broadband facilities here has been impeded by lack of legislation or compliance with existing legislation in regard to access to vital infrastructure for all potential service providers in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13857/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J. Browne)

The provision of electronic communications services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market.

The regulatory framework which governs the provision of electronic communications services including broadband services is set out in the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. Responsibility for the implementation of the legislation rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 185

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has studied the report of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on broadband; if he proposes to take action to address the deficiencies highlighted therein; the timescale to achieve such objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13855/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J Browne)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 79 of 6th April 2006.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 217

Dail Eireann

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13892/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J Browne)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to parliamentary question no. 60 of 6th April 2006.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 268

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the lack of broadband services in the Black Valley, County Kerry; if he or his Department have been approached with a request for funding to facilitate an assessment of the extent of the problem; if the Government's proposals for the provision of broadband services in the area are in accordance with Government policy and targets set by him or his predecessor; if he intends to take action directly or indirectly to resolve the issue; if he proposes to seek the assistance of his Government colleague on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 4th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13380/06

REPLY

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr N Dempsey)

The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, an operational issue for the service providers concerned.

Secondly, responsibility for the regulation of electronic communication service providers rests with the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations, which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.

I have no function in the matter.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 79

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has studied the report of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and National Resources on broadband; if he proposes to take action to address the deficiencies highlighted therein; if he has in mind a timescale to achieve such objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Michael Noonan. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13808/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr J Browne)

The report to which the Deputy refers has been examined in some detail. It recognises that there has been a number of positive developments in the broadband market. There has been considerable growth in broadband connectivity in the last 18 months with a 103% increase from the figure of December 2004 to December 2005. The report also accepts that broadband availability and platform competition has increased and prices have dropped accordingly.

According to the report one of the biggest challenges for Government is demand or 'take-up' and Ireland continues to lag behind our OECD partners in this area. Earlier this year, the Department initiated a consultation process to examine the level of demand for broadband services in the Irish market, which concluded in March. The discussion document touched on key demand factors for consumers and asked for possible examples of demand measures by Government and industry, if indeed, any are necessary. Over 100 responses were received and a wide range of issues were raised, which are currently being examined by officials in the Department for further action.

The Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the County and Group Broadband Scheme. To date, over 150 projects have been a pproved for funding. A third phase of the scheme is to be announced shortly which will attempt to provide service in 'problem areas' identified by the Regional Co-ordinators of the programme.

A joint industry/Government fund of §18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband during 2006.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13765/06

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Ireland's position in regard to availability, quality and cost of broadband services in the European league; if he has in mind plans to encourage bringing the services here into line with other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Billy Timmins. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13834/06

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the provision of broadband and associated facilities to achieve the same levels as in other jurisdictions with whom Ireland competes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

-Michael Noonan. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13809/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

(Mr J Browne)

I propose to take Questions Nos 7, 30 and 106 together .

In comparison to other European states, broadband providers in Ireland were slow in launching competitive, affordable broadband. The lack of competition between providers and the reduction in investment in infrastructure in the aftermath of the dot-com crash weakened the initial rollout by providers here. However, the situation is improving rapidly and the current level of take-up is consistent with the stage of development of the market. Ireland is now the fastest growing broadband economy in the EU.

The latest ComReg quarterly report states there are 270,700 broadband subscribers as of end-2005. This is equivalent to 6.6% of the population. There are also an estimated 0.6 million narrow band users.

Home Internet penetration figures currently stand at 18.7% of households.

Almost 140,000 new broadband subscribers were added in 2005 - a growth rate of 106% in 2005. This compares to 100,000 new broadband subscribers in 2004.

The Government target is 400,000 by end-2006 (i.e. almost 10% of population or 27% of households). The Minister's challenge to industry is 500,000 broadband subscribers by end-2006 (i.e. about 12% of the population or 34% of households).

We are the lowest cost country in the OECD for international connectivity; our regional broadband pricing is now on a par with the best in Europe, and the price of basic broadband access is at the EU average. Furthermore, Ireland is now one of the cheapest locations in the world for international leased lines.

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed open access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide, on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country, which were built on time and under budget.

This Programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide. Design and procurement has already commenced in several regions and construction is due to over the coming months. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007. These Metropolitan Area Networks will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.

The Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the County and Group Broadband Scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme.

A joint industry/Government fund of §18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the first half of 2006. The construction/installation phase is now underway, and the project is on target for completion within the set timeframe.

Full details of the Regional Broadband Programme can be found on the Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION Nos. 9, 10, 34, 51, 58 & 85

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to recent expressions to the effect that the State might regain some control of the Eircom infrastructure; if he has had discussions with any of the parties involved in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Olivia Mitchell. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13798/06

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he or his Department have studied the possible implications of sale or take over of Eircom; if he has had discussions with any of the parties involved with a view to ascertaining the future development of the infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Denis Naughten. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13813/06

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion that the State should regain control of part of the Eircom infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Dan Neville. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13811/06

_____________________________________________

To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the need for an urgent investment in the Eircom infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Denis Naughten. (Nominated by: Bernard J. Durkan).

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 13812/06

_____________________________________________

Ref No: 13745/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

(Mr J Browne)

I purpose to take Question Nos. 9, 10, 34, 51, 58 and 85 together.

The State has no plans to invest in Eircom infrastructure or regain control of any part thereof.

Representatives of Babcock & Brown a global investment and advisory firm, founded in 1977 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange met with representatives of the Department on 22 February last. Babcock and Brown had sought to introduce their company to the Department as a courtesy and advise of their interest in eircom.

As eircom is not a State company the Department has no role in any talks between the companies.

The provision of telecommunications infrastructure and services is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully-liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

However, recognising that a principal reason for the slow rollout of broadband services has been the lack of investment by the private sector in the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband to all areas, the Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the regions by building high-speed, open-access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in 120 towns and cities nationwide. Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country.

These initiatives are being co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the National Development Plan. Funding under the Plan also assisted Eircom and BT to enable over 50 exchanges to provide broadband services and also co-funded the construction of a national backbone network by ESB Telecoms.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION No. 4

Dail Eireann

- Bernard J. Durkan.

For PRIORITY answer on Thursday, 6th April, 2006.

Ref No: 14056/06

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

(Mr J Browne)