Ireland wants minimum of 30Mbps broadband speed

While America continues to flounder when it comes to broadband connection speeds, politicians in Ireland are doing everything they can to make things better for its citizens. According to this Ars Technica report, Ireland's Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has outlined a new broadband plan for Ireland that calls for a "minimum of 30Mbps for every remaining home and business in the country—no matter how rural or remote."




He also says that the half of the country that lives in urban or suburban areas should have speeds of 70Mbps to 100Mbps, while those in more rural settings should have at least 40Mbps. Finally he says that the bare minimum speed in Ireland should be 30Mbps.



His recommendations are part of the European Union’s Digital Agenda for Europe, which requires member states to publish national broadband plans by the end of the year. The goal is to bring a minimum level of 30Mbps service to all citizens by 2020 and bring speeds of 100Mbps to half of the EU’s households by the same date.



The Irish government is prepared to spend €175 million ($219 million) to support expanding broadband infrastructure in the country.