Contract will provide broadband in Westmeath "blackspots"

Chunks of rural Westmeath, which currently have no broadband access, are to benefit from the National Broadband Scheme announced last week by Communications Minister, Eamon Ryan.The firm '3' is to roll out broadband to a large 'blackspot' in central Westmeath, running from around Drumraney through Ballymore over almost as far as Moyvore and along the R392 up towards Rathconrath, back towards Loughnavalley and on to Castletown Geoghegan, and from there to Movoughley.The other 'blackspot' in the county - even larger in size - which is to benefit from the broadband roll out, takes in areas north and east of Mullingar. The sort of 'doughnut' shaped area starts just outside town on the Castlepollard Road, heads over towards Lough Owel, Ballinafid, across up through Multyfarnham, Lismacaffrey, near Castletown Finea, and back right along the county boundary to Clonmellon before swinging back south westwards towards the Delvin area, over to Bracklyn, on to Ballivor, and back through Killucan and Cloughan. Omitted is the Castlepollard area, which has broadband.Also to receive coverage is a small area between Delvin and Athboy.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 (see attached map). 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 that for too long, rural Ireland had been without this essential service, and the announcement would be 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.'Any fixed residential or business customer located within the NBS coverage area can apply for broadband services from 3 Ireland. There are approximately 223,000 buildings located within the NBS coverage area, covering 1028 electoral divisions.The product provided by 3 Ireland will cost €19.99 per month with a connection fee of €49 which includes the cost of the necessary equipment.Wireless mobile broadband services will be provided in the NBS area with approximately 8% of areas receiving a satellite service.An uncharged monthly data cap of 15GB (12GB download and 3GB upload) will apply for the wireless product while 11GB (10GB download and 1GB upload) will be available for satellite users.