Connect CORK BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patrick Ledwidge Director of Services - Community and Enterprise Cork City Council

Cork Chamber of Commerce Report (2000 – European On-line Partners) Poor / expensive connectivity in Cork 75% of businesses identified a future broadband requirement of 2m/bs Low rate of PCs per 1,000 persons Low rate of Internet use Low rate of ISDN lines per 1,000 persons Expensive internet access

Cork City Council – eCommerce Infrastructure Report (2001 – European On-line Partners) Need for dark fibre in City National Broadband Network needs to be extended Common local authority standards – reinstatement, etc Critical Stage Prepare IT and Telecoms Study Connection to international networks

Cork City Metropolitan Area Network €11m awarded Launched in February 2004 First MAN completed Met need for Dark Fibre Operated by E-NET

Cork Information and Telecommunications Strategy (CITTS) Part-funded by DCMNR PA Consulting Group Address issues in Cork Chamber of Commerce and Cork City Council Reports Fear that MAN could be a “White Elephant” Objectives: 1. maximise external connectivity of Cork to international broadband 2. Define and focus on the city’s role and opportunities within eCommerce

Cork Information and Telecommunications Strategy (CITTS) attendees at SWOT event Recommended focus on: Increasing Demand for Broadband Improving Broadband supply Awareness Skills Technology – City Centre WiFi

National Situation Competition and reduced costs on backhaul through Government initiatives with ESBI and ESAT Linking of MANs into one network Research shows Ireland is slipping internationally in the availability and use of Broadband

ICT Plan - VISION Linked to City Council’s Corporate Goal “to ensure the economic, social, cultural and environmental development of Cork in a sustainable manner together with our local businesses and communities” Opportunity to make a quantum leap in respect of ICT and increasing competitiveness (“one step up”)