Senator Keaveney began, “Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland, there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. For that reason, the process for the setting up of a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) has begun. The NBS will provide services to areas that are currently unserved, including unserved areas here in Donegal, and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.

Senator Keaveney continued, “I greatly welcome this news by Minister Ryan. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in July 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter. There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and service providers are now offering broadband by fixed cable, wireless, satellite and more recently, mobile broadband in all areas of the country”, concluded Senator Keaveney.