It is a landmark day for the roll-out of rural broadband according to the Communications Minister, Denis Naughten.

The Minister Of State at the Department of Communications believes the government will be in a position to sign a contract on the national broadband plan by the end of the year.

Enet have confirmed that Chief Executive Conal Henry has stepped down.

Latest: The Communications Minister claims nationwide high-speed broadband can be rolled out quicker than planned, now Eir has withdrawn its contract bid.