2. Broadband

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Broadband. Source: ComReg

The number of Irish broadband subscribers marched towards the 500,000 level in the final quarter of 2006. Subscriber numbers are twice what they were in mid-2005, the result of greater availability and more competition.

However, this positive message is not reflected in international comparisons, because of a time lag in reporting. New EuroStat figures, based on first quarter numbers across the EU, show Irish broadband adoption levels seriously adrift of the EU25 average.

Broadband is unlikely to be a hot election issue in 2007. By the time that campaigning begins in earnest, the 2006 improvements should be factored into international studies.

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