John Bruton
Question:25 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if there are any proposals to ensure interoperability of mobile telephone systems as between EC member states.
Written Answers. - Mobile Telephone Systems.
A new digital cellular mobile radio telephone system known as GSM is just now emerging on world markets.
This system, which was originally called group special mobile but was renamed global standard for mobile communications, in recognition of its potential in worldwide markets, will permit subscribers to use their mobile phones across Europe without technical difficulty.
The development of the system was stimulated by EC initiatives in the form of a Council Recommendation of 25 June 1987 on the co-ordinated introduction of public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile communications in the Community (87/371/EEC); a Council Directive of 25 June 1987 on the frequency bands to be reserved for the new pan-European service (87/372/EEC); and a Council Resolution of 14 December 1990 on the final stage of the co-ordinated introduction of GSM (90/C 329/09).
In addition a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in September 1987 by telecommunications organisations in 22 European countries, including all Community member states, which commits the signatories to a detailed timetable for the procurement of new networks and the opening of GSM services based on harmonised standards.
Telecom Éireann signed this Memorandum of Understanding and are planning to launch a GSM service in 1993 with a phased roll out of national coverage.