The Irish government has awarded the contract to implement and operate the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) to Hutchison Whampoa’s Irish subsidiary, 3 Ireland. Under the €223 million investment programme, 3 Ireland will extend its WCDMA/HSPA 3G mobile broadband network to rural parts of the country where broadband services are currently not available. Initially, the service will have a minimum downlink transfer rate of 1.2 Mbps (maximum 5 Mbps), moving to maximum downlink speeds of 6.8 Mbps by 2010 and 10.4 Mbps by 2012 as part of two scheduled upgrades. The Department for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) aims for universal broadband coverage by September 2010, with half of the area under the scheme to be covered by the end of 2009.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan today announced the National Broadband Scheme, the Government scheme to deliver broadband services throughout the country. Following the conclusion of a competitive tendering process, the Minister has entered into a contract for the delivery of this scheme with ‘3’ (a Hutchinson Whampoa company).

Ireland currently has over 1.2 million subscribers to broadband. The National Broadband Scheme will provide the remaining 10% of our population, or approximately 33% of the area of the country, with broadband services. Ireland will have 100% coverage by September 2010; half of the area under the scheme will be covered by the end of this year.

Investment of €223 million from a combination of Exchequer funds, EU co-financing and ‘3’ will create 170 direct jobs. Hundreds more will be protected and created as the availability of broadband increases the investment and enterprise in the targeted areas.
‘3’ will extend its network to provide mobile wireless broadband services into the NBS area. Initially, the service will have a minimum download speed of 1.2 mbps. At least, two upgrades of speeds are planned during the lifetime of the contract. These product upgrades will be carried out at no cost to the customer.

Announcing the scheme, Minister Ryan said, “For too long, rural Ireland has been without this essential service.

Today’s announcement is a boost for the rural economy. Now businesses throughout the country can have ready access to the national and international markets. Employment will be created and sustained. Quality of life will improve for rural residents and communities will be strengthened.

This contract represents real value for public money. I congratulate ‘3’ on winning this contract and look forward to them meeting the challenging, but achievable coverage targets.”

Robert Finnegan Chief Executive of 3 commented: "3 is delighted to have won the NBS tender - it's great news for 3 and for rural Ireland. We'll be rolling out our first class broadband network bringing internet services to thousands of homes and businesses across the country. Over five years we'll be investing 223 million euros and creating around 170 new jobs giving Ireland's economy a welcome boost. There has never been a more important time for people to get connected as Ireland strives to sharpen its competitiveness. 3 has already played an important part in bringing Ireland up to speed in the broadband league tables and we look forward to further strengthening 3's market leading position with the most innovative and services and best value price plans available."

Source: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/Government+announces
+scheme+to+deliver+broadband+across+Ireland.htm