Broadband usage ‘hit by high costs’
“The cost of broadband needs to come down and this will only happen with the introduction of real competition in the market,” said Alan Farrelly, who called on the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources to issue a policy direction on broadband pricing in order to simulate take-up in the Irish market.
Speaking at the CPAI Annual Presidents Dinner in Dublin, Mr Farrelly said Ireland's broadband performance was very important for international investment, for continued economic prosperity and as a key component of the national spatial strategy.
“We encourage Minister Ahern to maintain broadband as a key priority of this Government.
"Minister Ahern through the policy direction issued to ComReg was very successful in stimulating flat rate internet access to the point where there is now intense competition among operators offering access to the internet at competitive prices.
“We congratulate the minister on these achievements but we must now see similar progress, very quickly, on making broadband accessible and cost effective for SMEs in Ireland.”
Mr Farrelly said accountants, many of whom would be classified as SMEs and who advised clients in the sector, were only too aware of broadband’s importance to regional development.
“As all businesses become increasingly driven by technology, the availability of broadband services on a national basis, not just in urban centres must be a key priority for the Government.
"Access to broadband is critical to regional development and a cohesive strategy is vital to the economic growth and prosperity of the country.
"The minister's commitment to developing fibre rings in urban centres is to be commended but we believe investment in fibre should be extended to all towns with a population above 5,000 people to ensure the availability of a range of broadband services from operators at a reasonable cost,” he said.
