asked the Minister for Communications whether he will have to sanction the charges made by prospective MMDS operators in advance; and the action he proposes to take to ensure that charges are within the reach of low income families.
Written Answers. - MMDS Systems.
18.
As I indicated in reply to a question on 7 March 1989, columns 2403 to 2404 of the Official Report, the charge for MMDS will primarily be a matter for the licensees.
I have powers under regulation 12 of the Wireless Telegraphy (Television Programme Retransmission) Regulations, 1989, to investigate the charges being applied by a licensee and, if necessary in the light of the investigation, to direct that these charges be altered and where relevant require that a rebate be allowed to the subscriber. My primary concern with regard to charges is that they would be reasonable — that is, sufficient to ensure the financial viability of the system while at the same time not imposing an excessive burden on the subscriber.
I would expect that, as is the case with cable television, MMDS licensees will devise schemes to enable subscribers to pay subscriptions other than annually, thereby ensuring that the service will be within the reach of all who wish to subscribe to it.