Lobby group takes flat-rate fight to EU

dahamsta

ElectricNews.Net

Lobby group Ireland Offline is to take its fight for flat-rate Internet access and cheaper broadband products and services to Brussels.

Ireland Offline told ElectricNews.Net that at European Commission hearings on 8 July, it will highlight what it described as the government's failure to provide Internet access for all.

The Commission hearings will look at issues such as progress in local loop unbundling and the provision of broadband in Europe. Ireland Offline said that it was its understanding that no official government representative will attend the hearing, although it is expected that the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation will be speaking at the event.

"The ODTR's view of how Ireland is doing in terms of Internet access is likely to be in conflict with the view of Ireland Offline, so we felt that it was important that our members' voices were heard," said the organisation's chairman, David Long.

"For instance, it is quite clear that the number of Internet users in Ireland has stagnated, yet the ODTR still hasn't taken a visionary stance on the introduction of flat-rate Internet access and competitively priced broadband access," commented Long. "Such products are available throughout the EU and even in countries like Iran and Russia, but not in Ireland. How can Ireland become the e-hub of Europe when its citizens are denied these basic services?"

Long added that Ireland Offline will present the results to date of its survey on Internet access pricing to the hearing, as well as meet with the European Information Society Commission and the EU Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, David Byrne, during its trip to Brussels.

Irish Internet users have never been able to avail of 24-7 flat-rate Internet access, but Eircom has recently introduced high-speed access via ADSL. However, Long remarked that Eircom's I-Stream service is far too expensive.

"I-Stream's basic offering will cost users around EUR1,300 a year, not including the connection or equipment fees, and has a download cap of 3 Gigabytes a month, with an additional EUR0.03 charge for every megabyte downloaded in excess of that limit. This is not affordable for many people and is not acceptable to a lot of our members," he remarked.

In addition, Long criticised the government for failing to understand Ireland's possible digital future by not introducing a dedicated e-minister. "The Minister for the Information Society is also Junior Minister for Defence and Government Chief Whip. It is clear that the Minister will not have sufficient time to devote to the Information Society aspect of her portfolio," said Long.

Further information can be found at the Ireland Offline Web site.

Good stuff Dave.

adam

ando

In addition, Long criticised the government for failing to understand Ireland's possible digital future by not introducing a dedicated e-minister. "The Minister for the Information Society is also Junior Minister for Defence and Government Chief Whip.

OMG !!!!! I did not realise she was working in different areas ..... FFS BERTI, WHAT THE HELL ?????? Do you have any cop-on ???

Digi_Tilmitt

Hey i was watchin the oireachtas report a few weeks ago and that chief whip was asked about the lack of broadband etc. and the stupid slut replied something like "I am happy with the progress of Ireland in the IT sector and belive us to be one of the best in europe."

Progress!?????? A year and a half ago we had flat rate dial up now we don't! Thats fianna Fáil progress alright!

gandalf

BY the way our new eminister is the same person that jumped on the Columbine band wagon about violent video games.

I think we have been lumbered with a younger Turkey ala O'Rourke.

Gandalf.

fabien

Just found this in today's Independent, they're only getting interested once IOFFL starts to mean business for real, so keep it up guys, well done !

"Flat rate net access lobby eyes EC hearing

LOBBY group Ireland Offline is to take its fight for flat rate internet access and cheaper broadband services for Irish consumers to Europe.

David Long, the body's chairman, said it plans to bring up what it describes as the Government's failure to provide internet access for all at the European Commission hearing on July 8 in Brussels.

Mr Long said that the Government just hasn't gone far enough in a push towards flat rate service and defining affordable internet access for the Irish consumer.

"A recent survey by us showed that Irish consumers have a huge interest in a flat rate service and are willing to pay an average of €30 to €35 per month for such a provision," he said, adding that these services are available in countries like Russia and Iran.

He added that the Forfás broadband review report earlier this year called for a flat rate service to be mandated; yet the call went unheeded by Minster Mary O'Rourke in the Telecommunication Bill which was rushed through just before the Dáil was dissolved.

According to Mr Long, who represents over 2,000 members including consumers and SMEs, the body will also meet with EU Commissioner of Consumer Affairs David Byrne in Brussels.

Ailish O'Hora"

http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=187&si=782146&issue_id=7662

MDR

The actual golden figure is €29.20 (€24.20 - €34.20)