The final Oireachtas report on broadband recommends the establishment of a stakeholders group to encourage closer co-operation between the industry, Government and end users, to allow the agreement of a short term plan that addresses market failure.
The report also recommends that a publicly funded programme be put in place, that is run as an open tender to provide nationwide broadband access.
The report says ComReg needs increased powers to facilitate broadband supply and it is highly critical of the two main Government policy responses to broadband rollout - the MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks) project, and the Group Broadband Scheme, which was designed to benefit rural communities.
Eircom said it welcomed the report and said it is 'absolutely committed' to the development of ICT Ireland and the pervasive availability of broadband throughout the country.
'The company is also delighted that the committee recognises a change in attitude at eircom', it said.
Eircom said its best estimate currently puts Ireland at 14% up from 10.3% and, quickly approaching the European average of 15% for penetration by population.
The internet consumer advocacy group IrelandOffline this evening welcomed the recommendations of the report but urged all parties to accept the recommendations and to adopt them should they be in Government after the election.
e-net, the company contracted to manage the country's first 27 Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), welcomed the acknowledgement by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications that the MANs project is a key element in building a comprehensive broadband infrastructure for Ireland.
