Dáil group heads to US to learn of cheap internet rates

A DÁIL delegation is heading to the United States this weekend to examine how we can slash our internet costs and provide consumers access for 30 a month.

Eircom has the monopoly on the fixed internet lines and the Chamber of Commerce of Ireland claims most businesses are paying an average 60 a month for internet access.

However, Eircom disputes this and claims it is closer to 40 a month minus the line rental charge. But Oireachtas Communications Committee chairman Noel O'Flynn believes the cost should be not more than 30.

A pilot scheme in Washington State has shown how internet access can be provided to every household in a predominantly rural community for just $20 a day using top-range broadband technology.

But an international survey has revealed that Ireland is way behind in the roll out of broadband technology that is vital for fast internet access we were ranked 17 out of 62 countries surveyed.

Mr O'Flynn believes it is vital that Irish businesses and consumers can get fast, cheap internet access if we are to maintain our economic competitiveness.

"That same international survey ranked Ireland the most globalised country in terms of trade and foreign investment but if we fail to provide cheap, fast internet access our competitiveness will be seriously at risk," Mr O'Flynn said.

The main obstacle to the provision of cheap internet access has been Eircom's failure to provide other operators with an affordable wholesale rate of access to its network.

But Communications Minister Dermot Ahern has directed that a flat internet access rate be made available this year. The Commission for Communications Regulation has directed Eircom to open up its internet lines to other competitors by July.

Eircom must publish the wholesale prices it plans to charge other operators such as Esat BT and Nevada Tele by February and once this has been agreed then they all must offer the public a flat rate internet charge by July.

The Eircom competitors will make a presentation to the Oireachtas Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Committee in February. They claim they can provide flat-rate internet access for around 30 a month.

The Dáil Committee delegation will also include Fine Gael Senator Michael Finucane, Fianna Fáil Deputy Denis O'Donovan and a Communications Department official.