Dempsey welcomes extra broadband investment

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey today welcomed the announcement by eircom that it is committing an extra €30m to allow up to 140,000 new customers to connect to a broadband-enabled exchange.

“Today's announcement by eircom is good news for broadband hungry consumers in this country,” said Dempsey.

“When the ownership of eircom changed last year I met with the new management team to make it clear to them that I wanted to see substantial progress in a number of areas to facilitate the roll out of broadband nationally.

“At that time I was given assurances that the new regime would respond positively to the challenges that I set them.

“Today's announcement is a firm indication that eircom is meeting its commitment to me to deliver increased services for consumers and I welcome that.

“I will shortly announce details of a national tender to provide broadband services to the 10% of the population who live in areas where it is un-economic for the private sector to operate. This tender will make it possible for all reasonable requests for broadband to be met, regardless of where you live.”