Government to sign €3bn broadband contract soon

The Government will sign a €3bn contract for the supply of rural broadband later this year after categorically ruling out an offer of a cheaper option for high-speed connections.

The cabinet yesterday agreed to refuse an offer from Eir to connect up to a million people. Ministers said the Eir plan was not a feasible alternative and would not stop a decision to go with the preferred bidder, Granahan McCourt.