Consumers can sign up for a broadband internet service for under €30 per month following price cuts announced yesterday by UTV Internet and Esat BT.

The telecoms and internet division of the television broadcaster UTV said it is now offering high-speed internet services to consumers and businesses for a flat rate fee of €29.99 per month.

This is the first time that an Irish-based firm will offer DSL to consumers below €30 per month and should encourage more consumer uptake of the technology.

DSL is a technology that enables ordinary telephone wires to transmit internet data at very high speed into people's homes and offices.

It is considered an important service to encourage consumers to use computer technologies more in their homes.

However, the uptake of broadband technology has been painfully slow in the Republic until now, prompting concern in Government circles that Ireland is falling behind its competitors.

The Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, has consistently criticised firms for charging too much for broadband.

He has also committed his department to spending €65 million in 2003 and 2004 to roll out more broadband.

A Government spokesman welcomed the price cuts and said it should help boost the number of broadband subscribers past the current figure of about 36,000.

UTV Internet's new cut-price DSL offer will require customers to pay a €99 set-up fee to cover the cost of a broadband modem.

This DSL product, which is branded Clicksilver, enables customers to download web pages up to 10 times faster than using a typical dial-up internet modem.

Meanwhile, Esat BT also announced a range of new prices for its DSL services. These start at €33.15 for users who also subscribe to its telephone service.

Esat BT is also offering a stand-alone broadband DSL service for a monthly fee of €39. The firm's new prices will become available from March 8th.

The new price cuts are now possible following a decision by Eircom to reduce the wholesale fees it charges other operators.