GOVERNMENT BROADBAND policy will "encompass the views and investment plans of all service providers, including Eircom", a Department of Communications spokeswoman said yesterday.
This follows confirmation this week from Eircom chief executive Rex Comb that the former state telco has delivered a proposal to Government for the delivery of 25Mbit/sec broadband within seven years to 70 per cent of the population. It is understood, however, that Eircom is seeking State aid to support the high cost of the upgrade, estimated at €500 million.
The Department of Communications is expected to publish a draft policy paper on broadband within the next month. Minister for Communications EamoRyan is understood to be keen to hold a one-day forum to get the views of industry and users on the policy document.
The resulting Government policy will be key as telcos including Eircom invest in the next generation networks which will facilitate high-speed broadband services.
Mobile operator 3 Ireland has reacted angrily to reports that Eircom is seeking State support for the roll-out of broadband. Robert Finnegan, managing director of 3, said it was "tantamount to blackmail".
He said 3 now has more than 60,000 subscribers to its mobile broadband service. With planned upgrades to the network and technology improvements, he predicted 3 would be able to achieve speeds of 100Mbit/sec within five years.
"When it comes to broadband Eircom has held this country to ransom for many years," said Mr Finnegan. "Their proposal is inappropriate, wrong and arrogant."
A progress report on internet use from the European Commission published yesterday showed Ireland continues to lag behind the rest of Europe in key areas such as the use of broadband in schools and by the medical profession.
"Ireland's continuing poor performance in broadband is exacerbated by the Government's lack of a clear policy regarding the separation of networks in Eircom," said Liz McManus, Labour spokesperson on communications.
