Internet funding called for

The National Development Plan should help to fund companies in the south-east to get access to high-speed telecommunications services at competitive rates, a report has urged.

The report, was drawn up by the South East Information Society Strategy (SEISS), which was established by the South East Regional Authority last year to conduct research into the information society and to ensure the region was up to date with developments.

The authors of the report warn that the delay in providing a modern telecommunications infrastructure is damaging the region's economic prospects.

There is a serious risk, the report warns, of businesses relocating to Dublin and other areas where more competitive broadband access technologies - such as Digital Subscriber Line and cable modem technology - are on offer.

The Government, the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation and the European Commission should be "clearly informed" of this delay, it suggests, and of its potential long-term impact on the regional economy.

The report's recommendations include the establishment of Internet hubs in the region with direct international links, and eliminating the need to connect through Dublin in order to reduce broadband and business Internet costs.

Further information on the report and other elements of the SEISS project can be obtained from the website www.seiss.ie.