Heavy fees may hinder EsatBT DSL plans

Heavy fees being imposed on EsatBT by local authorities for digging up streets may hinder the Republic's number two fixed line provider in its DSL rollout plans.

According to reports by The Irish Times, the company is being asked to pay exorbitant amounts in order to lay down DSL lines. Besides the high fees imposed, lengthy lead times may also prevent the company from meeting its next-year deadline for which to receive funding from the Government.

DSL is being eagerly awaited by many SME's around the country as it is set to dramatically reduce costs and increase speeds significantly, compared to dial-up access. The company is now believed to be in talks with Government departments in a bid to resolve the issues.