THE GOVERNMENT is to invest €435 million to address the digital divide and ensure there is universal access to broadband in Ireland by early 2010.
The investment, which has been earmarked under the National Development Plan, will also ensure that, by 2012, broadband speeds in Ireland would equal or exceed those in comparable EU regions, said Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan at the launch of the Government's policy on next-generation broadband.
Mr Ryan said he did not expect any curtailment in the level of investment due to the economic downturn. "I am convinced we have the resources and we have the commitment in Government to deliver this," he said.
Having a world-class broadband infrastructure would attract the cutting-edge, knowledge-based industries needed to secure Ireland's future economic prosperity and competitiveness, the Minister said.
As well as ensuring universal broadband access, the Minister said that 100 Mbits per second of broadband connectivity would be introduced to secondary schools on a phased basis.
All new major infrastructure projects would install back-haul "ducting" at the construction phase and the Government will establish a one-stop shop to give service providers flexible and open access to existing and future ducting infrastructure. Mr Ryan said his department was working with the Department of the Environment to ensure that new-build premises will require open access fibre connections, with regulation coming into effect by the end of the year.
The Government's consultation paper on next-generation broadband also envisages positioning Ireland as a testing ground for the trialling and development of new digital services and telecommunications technologies.
Claire Cunningham, chairwoman of Chambers Ireland's digital policy, said the plans would open up the digital marketplace to even more businesses across Ireland and enable the development of sustainable local economies.
Managing director of Colt Telecom Ireland Gary Keogh said it was encouraging to see the Government interacting with the industry and supporting broadband roll-out.
