Sir, – In November 2019, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract was signed.
In 2024, the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) engineering survey for my townland was completed. Now comes the network design phase. Anticipated date for connection: January 2026 to December 2026.
In other words, don’t wait in.
Rural communities in Ireland have been promised broadband connectivity dates that fail to address the urgent need for digital access for businesses, telecommuters, and individuals. As we progress further into the digital age, the disparity in broadband availability between urban and rural areas becomes more glaring and unacceptable. The geographical location of one’s home or workplace should not serve as a barrier to full participation in the e-society. Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity for economic development, education, healthcare, and social inclusion. Commitments have been made repeatedly, yet rural communities continue to wait. – Yours, etc,
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JOHN TIERNEY,
Fews,
Co Waterford.