Advantages for Cork
To continue as an excellent place to work and to do business, County Cork needs a broadband-literate population and business community. Fortunately, we already have the necessary telecommunications infrastructure in place to get the most from maturing technologies and new developments.
Because of the Cork Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) - see Regional Broadband Programme on page 10, Cork is now well placed to meet the telecommunications needs of bigger businesses and institutions, and is better able to compete on an equal footing with other locations in the country to attract new businesses to the county.
As services become available on the MANs, new and innovative telecommunication services will also become available to smaller and medium-sized businesses around the county.
Broadband availability increases workplace flexibility and could also have wider implications. For example, as home and work boundaries continue to blur, daily admin tasks performed at home could help relieve peak traffic congestion and allow for more flexible childcare arrangements.
With foresight and innovation, benefits to society and cost-savings are possible if broadband is widely embraced.
CONNECT CORK
Connect Cork is a Cork City Council initiative aimed at increasing awareness and demand for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among businesses and consumers in Cork. For details, visit: http://www.connectcork.ie/.
The roll out of Broadband in 15 towns throughout County Cork is a major leap forward for the people of Cork. It enhances Cork County Council's efforts to improve the quality of life in rural areas providing access to a range of telecommunication services and facilities.
Cllr. Michael Creed
