The survey called 'Periscope: True Perspective on the Role of Satellite Broadband in Bridging the Digital Divide' is supported by ESA. This comes at a time when the Irish picture for satellite broadband users is about to experience a huge upsurge. Over 2000 Irish schools are scheduled to receive a broadband connection via satellite in the coming year.
The survey required assessing Irish perceptions and attitudes on aspects of satellite broadband use and service provision. This information can be used as a benchmark for further gauging of the situation in Europe. The ultimate aim is to make recommendations on the future of satellite broadband, in particular eventual rollout and applications which meet the needs of end users.
Over 200 people completed the online survey, which represents an estimated 15% to 20% of current satellite broadband users in Ireland. Respondents included individuals using their own satellite connection at home or for work at home, schools, businesses and communities accessing broadband as part of a local network via satellite.
"The nationwide survey carried out by the South West Regional Authority has elicited a very high response containing important feedback on the use of satellite broadband," states Carlo Elia of ESA Telecom. "This information will provide invaluable input to ESA on future requirements of satellite broadband systems and technologies from a user's perspective. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the SWRA and MAC for their dedicated and professional support."
Also funded by ESA, SWRA also completed a series of focus groups, along with in-depth interviews with industry and service providers. The National Microelectronics Applications Centre (MAC) supported the SWRA in this undertaking. MAC's role was to research the future of satellite broadband and other innovative technologies.
The final report will be published on both the SWRA and the ESA Telecom websites in early June.
As an incentive, all respondents were included in a draw for a weekend for two to the Netherlands, including a personal guided tour of ESA/ESTEC. The winner, Evelyn O'Donoghue, from the Sunderland Centre (West Cork VEC) in Skibbereen will visit Noordwijk the Netherlands later this year.
Seven other lucky people from Donegal, Galway, Clare and Cork will receive ESA gift packs, including such items as a model of the Artemis Satellite (see image at the top-left of this page).
To read more about the Periscope project just click on the link provided at the right of this page.
Image courtesy of the South West Regional Authority
