IRELAND has the worst broadband speeds in Europe, according to figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that monitors developments in its 30 member countries.

Ireland’s film and television industry is still boosting the economy despite the recession, a business group said today.

MOBILE phone operators cannot be expected to meet the full cost of protecting children from abusive and inappropriate calls and text messages, an Oireachtas committee was told.

The Oireachtas will introduce legislation to stamp out mobile phone bullying if operators in the market don’t find a solution, it was claimed today.

THE telecoms industry will invest €724m a year in infrastructure by 2011.

THEY may not be able to afford running water or sufficient classrooms but at least Irish schools can keep up to date with developments on their plight — thanks to an initiative to equip them with cheap and speedy internet access.

IRISH chatterboxes spend more money every month on their mobile phones than anyone else in Europe — despite Ireland’s sky-high calling rates.

The Audiovisual Federation, the IBEC group that represents the feature film, television and animation sectors, today welcomed the Budget from Minister for Finance Brian Cowen.

IRELAND’S success at the movies is being replicated on the small screen, with €154 million being spent in the sector last year.

MOBILE phone operators have registered their opposition to any attempt by cinema owners to install jammers that force patrons to observe mobile phone etiquette.

The blocking of mobile phones in cinemas and theatres would be inappropriate and impractical, it was claimed today.

The Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA), which represents Irish mobile operators, today said that blocking the use of mobile phones in cinemas and theatres was inappropriate and impractical.

Telecommunications experts have said the cost of mobile phone calls is likely to drop in 2006.

RTÉ dramas like successful rural show Pure Mule boosted the spend on independent TV productions in Ireland by 25% in 2004, figures show.

RTE dramas like successful rural show Pure Mule boosted the spend on independent TV productions in Ireland by 25% in 2004, figures showed today.

The Irish cellular industry has questioned a Dáil Committee recommendation that all mobile phones carry radiation warnings in future.

THIEVES steal more mobile phones at Christmas than at any time of the year, shoppers were warned yesterday.

FIFTEEN euro from every TV licence holder, or €17 million in total, has gone unspent over the last two years thanks to foot-dragging by the State broadcasting regulator, it was claimed yesterday.

CONCERN has been raised about the level of violence used in mobile phone thefts.

By Michael O'Farrell

More than 17,000 people were employed in the film sector in Ireland last year and €22m was generated in tax revenue for the State, according to the annual Irish audiovisual report.