Rural broadband coverage consultation process launched

Local councillor Tom Farrell is appealing to people affected by poor or non-existent broadband coverage in rural areas to make their voice heard and engage with a new consultation process.

“A new consultation process on rural broadband coverage has been announced by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White” Cllr Farrell explained.  

“The Minister has published online national and county maps that identify the homes, businesses and schools where commercial providers will deliver high-speed broadband access by the end of 2016.  He has also announced a consultation document regarding the rollout of broadband for rural areas.”

The Fine Gael public representative continued: “I know that lack of coverage is still causing huge problems in Westmeath. I’ve been told by constituents about blackspots in areas where private providers are meant to be providing broadband. I am calling upon rural dwellers to consult this map which is available on www.broadband.gov.ie to ensure that areas which are listed as receiving broadband are actually receiving it”.

“This ties in with the issue of mobile phone signal in rural areas. It is important that we do not jeopardise basic voice calls and telephone signals in our quest for high speed broadband and data. Phone and internet companies need to find a balance on progressing both of these issue. Rural people deserve high speed broadband and proper mobile phone services – this affects people’s working life as well as their personal life. The pressure has to be put on internet and mobile phone providers to bring these areas in line with the rest of the country,” he concluded.