Twenty-one telecom service providers have signed up to a set of eight principles in the hopes of improving Ireland's broadband service using Next Generation Networks (NGN).
The plan, which was presented today to Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan by a delegation from the Telecommunications and Internet Federation, promises 'consumer choice', 'equal access' and 'competitive price and quality'.
Minister Ryan said his department will soon publish a policy paper on NGNs and request feedback on the roll-out of a high-speed, cost-effective broadband service.
NGN allows providers to increase broadband speeds well above 10MB and offer uncontended lines, which means the quality of service would not have to be shared with other users in the local area.
It also means download limits, a common policy for most broadband packages, would be increased or eliminated because NGNs can handle higher usage rates.
Currently only a handful of companies like Smart Telecom, Magnet and NTL/Chorus/UPC offer speeds above 3MB.
Irish service providers are investing around €700m a year in developing their networks.
While there is almost 90% broadband coverage across Ireland, the quality of coverage is well below the EU average.
The Government’s National Broadband Scheme is intended to bring the coverage to almost 100%.
