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Ireland announces broadband for all
Friday 23rd January 2009, by Daniel King
Residents across Ireland are to receive access to universal broadband services by September 2010, it has emerged.
Under the National Broadband Scheme, the country will benefit from 100 per cent coverage, with half of the area set to be connected by the end of this year.
This comes as debate over the provision of a universal service continues to rage in the UK ahead of the communication minister's Digital Britain report.
Lord Carter has already claimed that broadband is "way beyond" being seen as a niche service, with speculation mounting that the UK could also be set for a universal rollout.
Ireland's new plans will mean that web users are initially able to access download speeds of 1.2Mbps, although further speed upgrades are planned.
This will come as welcome news for the remaining ten per cent of the population for which broadband is currently unavailable, and could also help boost the Irish economy.
Ireland's communications minister Eamon Ryan said: "For too long, rural Ireland has been without this essential service."
The announcement would enable businesses throughout the country to take advantage of ready access to national and international markets, creating a number of benefits, he added.
"Employment will be created and sustained, quality of life will improve for rural residents and communities will be strengthened," Mr Ryan concluded.
The announcement comes after the Country Land and Business Association called for the UK government to take "concrete action" to support its plans to offer universal broadband by pledging major public sector investment.
Categories: Broadband
