Wallace – Rural Meath to benefit from Broadband Scheme

23rd January 2009

Meath East TD Mary Wallace welcomes the announcement that the Government has entered into a contract to deliver broadband services throughout the country and in particular to rural areas not currently being serviced by a Broadband Network.

Following a highly competitive tendering process, the Government has entered into a contract for the delivery of this scheme with ‘3’ (a Hutchinson Whampoa company).

The rollout of services under the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) will see 100 per cent coverage in Ireland by September 2010. Half of the area under the scheme will be covered by the end of this year.

Ireland currently has over 1.2 million subscribers to broadband. The National Broadband Scheme will provide the remaining 10% of our population, or approximately 33% of the area of the country, with broadband services. Details of the rollout plan are currently being finalised.

This essential service will allow homes and businesses in rural communities within Meath to connect to high speed internet connections allowing for increased com

Announcing the scheme, Minister Ryan said, “For too long, rural Ireland has been without this essential service.
 
Today’s announcement is a boost for the rural economy.  Now businesses throughout the country can have ready access to the national and international markets. Employment will be created and sustained. Quality of life will improve for rural residents and communities will be strengthened.
 
This contract represents real value for public money. I congratulate ‘3’ on winning this contract and look forward to them meeting the challenging, but achievable coverage targets.”