Ireland is stuck in internet timewarp, Esat chief warns

IRELAND is seriously trailing Britain when it comes to investment in communications infrastructure, Esat BT chief executive Bill Murphy warned yesterday.

In Cornwall only 5% of small businesses were connected to broadband two years ago. Today, after several government and local initiatives, the number has risen to 30%. This situation is being mirrored all over Britain, and Ireland must catch up quickly or lose out, he warned, adding that the key to development were public and private partnerships (PPP).

He pointed to the example of the North where Invest Northern Ireland, the Department of Trade and Industry and Esat have joined forces to provide broadband to homes and businesses.