Country lags in broadband take-up tables

IRELAND is bringing up the rear on broadband take-up and competitiveness in Europe according to a survey by the European Competitive Telecommunications Association, which looks after the regulatory and commercial interests in the communications sector.

The pro-competition association, has called for stronger powers for regulators to implement competition rules, after publishing the results of its twice-yearly survey on broadband take-up and competitiveness in Europe.

It shows, while 20% of people in Europe subscribe to a broadband connection, competitive impetus has reduced, with the retail market share of incumbents persisting at close to 50% and slow growth of 10% in broadband connections.