Fear of fee hikes as broadband plan for rural Ireland unveiled

The long-awaited Government announcement of broadband services for rural Ireland is already facing criticism amid opposition claims the involvement of private firms could see fee hikes and service cuts in the years to come.

Fianna Fáil and Labour took aim at the published framework for the new rural broadband network, as Communications Minister Denis Naughten insisted the chosen model offers the fastest and best-value way to ensure the long- promised service can be put in place.

Under plans agreed by the Cabinet yesterday, the Government has agreed to use a commercial stimulus model to fund the creation of a broadband network for 1.8m people living in rural Ireland over the next 25 years, with work beginning next June.