The Irish government is moving forward in the contract process for a monumental, €3 billion ($3.4 billion) broadband network plan, various news sources say.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high-speed broadband services to all businesses, farms and households in Ireland — roughly 1.1 million people.
In May, the government approved the National Broadband Ireland (NBI), a consortium led by investment firm Granahan McCourt Capital, as the preferred bidder for the project. The consortium also includes E-Net Corporation, Nokia, Actavo, Kelly Communications and KN Group.
Bidders are required to pass a rigorous evaluation process, carried out by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Under the contract, the private partner will design, finance, develop, construct, operate, maintain and exploit the broadband network within the NBP intervention area, which spans more than 750,000 premises.
According to the government of Ireland, the appointment of a preferred bidder is the final step in the NBP procurement process before a contract is awarded. Following that, deployment can begin in the state intervention area.
After confirmation of state aid is approved by the European Commission, and contract closing requirements are completed, the government will award the contract to the preferred bidder.
The government is expected to sign the contract to implement the project later this year, after financial documents are finalized.
