Fibre Optic Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN's)
High speed broadband is an important asset in order to attract inward investment into Ireland. As the private sector was failing to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband, the Department’s regional broadband programme was put in place. One element of the programme is addressing the telecommunications infrastructure deficit by building high speed, open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in major towns and cities.
The Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will enable telecommunications companies to provide cheap ‘always-on’ high-speed access to the Internet, a vital tool for industry and business to be efficient and competitive. It is also invaluable for educational institutes, health and research bodies and private consumers. The MANs will facilitate new entrants, new services and more competition for broadband throughout Ireland.
The MANs are publicly owned, while allowing all telecommunication operators open access to the networks. They are fibre-based and technology neutral resilient networks, which will ensure adequate capacity for generations to come. The 27 phase 1 MANs are being independently managed for the State by e-Net, who were awarded the 15-year services concession contract in June 2004.
E-Net operates as a wholesaler of access to the MANs and offers a full suite of products including ducting, sub-ducting, dark fibre, high level managed capacity, co-location facilities and relevant auxiliary services. Under Phase One, twenty-seven networks have been completed and handed over to E-Net. For further information on the range of products see http://www.enet.ie/.
There was €80 million set aside for the 27 phase 1 MANs. The success of the phase 1 of the MANs has led to a second phase, with funding of €80 million earmarked for the phase 2 MANs. They will be built in over 90 towns with a population in excess of 1,500 people that had no existing DSL broadband. MANs are completed or under construction in 66 additional towns under Phase 2 of the programme. The construction of the networks in these 66 towns will be complete by mid 2008. The construction of MANs in the remaining 28 towns is currently under review pending the outcome of a value for money review of Phase 1 of the programme and the outcome of the consultation on the Next generation Broadband policy paper.
Metropoitan Area Networks Brochure
The brochure below gives an outline of what Fibre Optic Metropolitan Area Networks are and how they operate.
The brochure provides a factual presentation of the characteristics of fibre networks and it explains the usage of such networks.
Download Metropolitan Area Network Brochure