Communications Minister Dermot Ahern TD has sanctioned the rollout of a range of new fixed wireless broadband services around the country.
The minister today signed consent orders giving the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) the necessary powers to press ahead with new broadband services targeted at business and residential customers around the country.
ComReg is expected to announce more than 50 licences for wireless broadband access (WLA) in rural and urban areas following the completion of a national competition.
Minister Ahern said: “These wireless broadband contracts are of major importance, delivering broadband services in many urban and rural areas. Fixed wireless access (FWA) is one of several delivery mechanisms that can provide broadband as well as narrowband connectivity and, as a consequence, is seen as a prime platform for the delivery of high-speed access to the internet and other interactive services on a countrywide basis.
“FWA licences authorise the provision of services from local single base stations in the 10.5GHz band throughout the country, thereby enabling services to be developed in line with local demand.”
The minister added: “There has been a phenomenal response to the ComReg competition for licences. This new service is another strand in our campaign to deliver broadband nationally.”
By Brian Skelly
