Major milestone in delivery of high speed Internet connectivity across Ireland

The Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte, T.D., has announced that Prisa Technologies Ltd, is being appointed by his Department to assist in driving the design, planning and procurement of a State-led investment in high speed broadband in Ireland. This appointment marks a key milestone in delivering on the Government’s commitment in the National Broadband Plan to invest in bringing high speed broadband to areas where these services will not be provided by the market. 

Since the publication of the Plan, investment in high speed services by the commercial sector has accelerated, in both fixed line and wireless services.

The Government has committed to ensuring that less densely populated areas will also receive very fast broadband and this will require State intervention. Minister Rabbitte said “Access to high speed broadband is a must for a modern society. Digital services are playing an increasingly important role in business, entertainment, education, health and Government. It is vital that all our citizens can access and avail of fast reliable broadband services irrespective of their geographic locations. The Government is firmly committed to this objective” Minister Rabbitte said.

Commenting on the appointment of Prisa to assist with the procurement, Minister Rabbitte said “This is an important milestone for delivery. The move to provide high speed broadband connectivity right across the country is gaining momentum with the appointment of Prisa Consulting.”

The Department has already kick-started the process of mapping future broadband investment plans in Ireland. Prisa will assist in this process, which will be an important pre-requisite for State Aids approval and will define the full extent to which the State will need to invest.