Ireland falling behind in broadband race

Munster’s dismal rate of hook-up to the internet via broadband is posing a serious problem for exporters, according to a new report published today by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA).

New data contained in the IEA’s Barriers to E-Business Development in the Regions report, shows broadband availability stands at just 29% in Munster compared with near saturation — 98.5% — in Northern Ireland.

Dublin has 52% availability, followed by Leinster on 26% with Connacht at 20%.

Michael Counahan, president of the IEA, said Ireland’s broadband take-up at the end of 2004 was the seventh lowest in the 30 OECD countries.

“Business generally, but exporters in particular are demanding broadband services, particularly the affordable, reliable DSL broadband delivered over the fixed telephone lines, to enable them to meet the ever increasing data information demands of overseas customers,” Mr Counahan.

The high 98.5% rate of connection north of the border is helped in a major way by a fund provided by the NI government to BT Northern Ireland to roll out networks.

“To reach the average of our key trading partners over the next three years, we estimate that well over 700,000 new DSL lines will have to be installed. At eircom’s current roll out rate of 6,000 DSL lines per month, it will take over five years to reach the current OECD average.”

Mr Counahan recommended three key options to ComReg and the Department of Communications to speed up the roll out of broadband;

* eircom should maximise their dominant positions in the Irish telecoms market by unbundling the local loop. This should be done through enter incentives or through enforcement of existing legislation.

* Restrictions should be lifted on cable operators to allow them to address the wide market. They should be encouraged to upgrade their networks to digital.

* Wireless systems offer a fastrack option for a rapid leap forward into full broadband.

Articles courtesy of the Evening Echo