What is ADSL technology?

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a technology that upgrades a standard copper telephone wire to enable it to transmit and receive video and data at high speeds.

What services will be offered over ADSL?

These include: high speed "always on" Internet, video-on-demand and a range of interactive services including home banking and shopping. There is debate whether television can be offered via the domestic telephone network.

Why is it important?

Offering access to high-speed "always on" Internet instead of slower dial-up modems will encourage more use. A national roll-out of ADSL would make the Republic a more attractive base for ecommerce.

When will we see ADSL in action?

Several operators are already offering commercial services throughout Europe. Eircom has said it will introduce a service in the first half of the financial year. However, several regulatory, technical and costing difficulties remain.

What are these difficulties?

Eircom is seeking assurances that it will be able to provide television via ADSL. However, cable firms claim they hold exclusive rights to broadcast TV on their networks.