e|net, Ireland’s largest open access network operator and the company responsible for managing the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), has welcomed the Government’s acknowledgement that continued investment in Next Generation Access (NGA) Networks is an imperative. The Government’s view was outlined in its Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016 document, published today.
Conal Henry, e|net CEO, said “I don’t know anyone who would argue against the fact that advanced broadband networks are essential if we are to support the development of a strong smart economy. How a country competes in the 21st Century will obviously be defined by the relative quality of its digital infrastructure, in the same way as physical infrastructure defined the winners and losers in the 20th century.”
“The Investment Priorities framework document further strengthens the already very strong case for significant further investment in Ireland’s broadband infrastructure. It’s also clear that this investment needs to commence immediately – the longer we leave it the less of a competitive advantage we’ll derive from it.”
Henry concluded by saying, “The crucial next step is to clearly identify where funding for these measures will come from. There is already a consensus on a number of investment priorities. The National Competitiveness Council and Forfas have both recommended that new Metropolitan Area Networks in the five National Spatial Strategy centres – Shannon, Ennis, Mallow, Tuam and Castlebar – are built.”