Ireland: Public Enterprise Minister Launches Satellite Internet Project

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

30 July 2001

The Irish Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O' Rourke TD, has launched a new national £1.5 million pilot satellite Internet project to provide high speed Internet access by way of a satellite dish without the need for a phone line which is particularly aimed at the remoter, rural areas of Ireland. It is expected to be utilised by schools, libraries, community centres and to encourage and promote e-commerce among small businesses.

In a statement released by the government, the Minister stated: The Government is committed to rolling out quality Internet access throughout the country. No area should be at a disadvantage. This technology, allied to the rollout of broadband fibre optic cable, the CAIT community access initiative and expanded global connectivity, will mean that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the world wide web.'

The V SAT system can be easily installed and provides a capacity which is over 35 times faster that a dial-up modem. As a wireless broadband technology it is ideally suited to bringing quality, fast Internet access to remote areas.

'This is a very exciting development,' continued Ms O'Rourke, 'Its launch on Clare Island illustrates how satellite Internet access ignores natural boundaries. This wireless system is ideally suited for communities such as that on Clare Island. Schoolchildren will be able to surf the web in their classroom while business people will have fast access to customers around the world.'

She added: 'V SAT is not confined to island communities, although it clearly offers great benefits to such locations. It is also being rolled out in Meath, the Mayo mainland and County Offaly. I know that in all of these locations there is great excitement at the opportunities that the technology offers. The Internet knows no boundaries – wireless technology such as V SAT ignores geographic and natural obstacles. The technology does not differentiate between urban or rural consumers. Once made available, it is available throughout its entire area.'

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