Ireland unveils broadband plan

Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte says his national broadband plan is "the rural electrification of the 21st century."

The Minister outlined a series of "ambitious" targets to be met within the lifetime of the Government. He said 70-100Mbps should be available to at least 50 percent of the population. At least 40Mbps should be available to at least a further 20 per cent of the population and a minimum of 30Mbps available to all. Rabbitte said Taoiseach Enda Kenny had given him a commitment the State would provide funding of €200 million along with matching investment from private companies. Rabbitte unveiled Delivering a Connected Society – A National Broadband Plan for Ireland in Croke Park on August 30. The plan is based broadly on the Report of the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce, published last May. The taskforce’s membership included the chief executives of the six main telecoms service providers in Ireland. State aid clearance by the European Commission will almost certainly be required to guarantee public funds are not substituting for potential private sector investment.