Sir, – Following eir’s withdrawal from the tender process for the National Broadband Plan, perhaps it is now time for rural Ireland and the Government to consider the Swedish model, called the “Swedish Local Fibre Alliance”, where support is provided both at local and national government level. The model provides an alternative to the incumbent service provider and in most cases the local fibre network is owned by the municipal authority. Currently there are local fibre networks in 67 per cent of all municipalities in Sweden. This is quite similar to years ago in Ireland, when rural communities had to take it upon themselves to install infrastructure such as local water schemes. Better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN CAREY,
Athlone, Co Westmeath.