Despite improvements in broadband speed, ranking 13th out of 72 countries worldwide, the State is still unable to meet the requirements of upcoming hi-tech communications services, according to an annual broadband survey commissioned by internet giant Cisco.
The hi-tech services are expected to become mainstream in just a few years time but Ireland's broadband system is not yet ready for them.
Fine Gael Communications Spokesman, Leo Varadkar TD said successive reports from the OECD and the National Competitiveness Council have exposed the truth about broadband in Ireland showing that we consistently rank at the bottom of the pile when it comes to provision and that we also pay through the nose.
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According to the OECD Ireland ranks second last out of OECD countries in relation to broadband speed. In fixed broadband penetration Ireland is 22nd out of 31 OECD countries with 19.5 subscribers per 100 people, while Ireland also remains one of the most expensive locations for broadband.
Mr Varadkar also criticized Communications Minister Eamon Ryan for "attempted to laud the Fianna Fáil Green Government’s record" on the basis of a separate survey that ranked "broadband leadership".
"Minister Ryan must know that broadband 'leadership' is a far cry from broadband 'provision' Instead of issuing press releases in a futile attempt to gloss over his Government’s poor record in this area, Eamon Ryan would do better to look at the situation on the ground.
“He should also implement Fine Gael's NewERA policy which sets out how Ireland can kick-start work on a fast, reliable and cost-effective broadband network."
The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite.
(DW/BMcC)
