Minister of State Tony Killeen has expressed optimism that County Clare will experience the highest ever annual increase in broadband subscribers in 2009.The Clare T.D. said the broadband penetration rate would be boosted by the rollout of the National Broadband Scheme, which will bring broadband to those areas currently unserved. Minister Killeen added that the entrance into the telecommunications market of new wireless broadband providers coupled with the continued rollout of mobile broadband services would also help to increase the overall number of domestic and business subscribers.
Minister Killeen said he was very aware of the frustrations felt by people, some located close to large urban areas, who could not access broadband easily. “There are many parts of Clare that are not served by a viable and cost effective broadband service. However, we have seen numerous significant changes in the last six months alone. For example, many parts of Kilmaley, Inagh, Kilnamona, Inch and Connolly have benefited from a new wireless broadband service while Eircom has enabled a number of exchanges throughout the County.”
Meanwhile, Minister Killeen has welcomed the latest statistics from ComReg showing that the broadband figures for Ireland continue to grow. “At the end of this September 1,125,080 people in Ireland had subscribed to broadband. Considering that in 2003 we only had 6,000 broadband subscribers, this represents remarkable progress over this timeframe. 59% of households now have broadband. This figure should be seen in the context of the 70% of Irish households that have a personal computer.”
”We are not where we want to be on broadband but we are getting there. Our growth rates continue and competition across platforms is delivering real results. With universal broadband in Ireland we will be able to concentrate on increasing speeds and reducing costs. This will help stimulate communities currently not served by a broadband service.”
Earlier this month, Communications Minister Eamon Ryan announced that 3 had been appointed “preferred tenderer” in Ireland’s National Broadband Scheme. Work is presently being finalised on the scheme and will be announced upon completion in January 2009.
