With any innovative development such as the multi-point microwave distribution system, or, as it is known, MMDS, it is to be expected that there will be some adverse reaction especially where people face an increase in charges during the introductory phase. I am aware of some dissatisfaction in Counties Offaly and Laois on this score. However, I believe that it is as important to focus on the quality aspects as it is on the price aspects of any comparison between MMDS and any existing deflector systems.
The provision of MMDS-based multi-channel TV choice has been part of Government policy since 1988 when the Minister of the day announced the Government's decision to proceed with the system in this country. I should remind Deputies that the illegal deflector system is not available throughout the country. Indeed a previous Minister, Deputy Jim Mitchell, had already announced in 1987 Fine Gael's commitment to it. MMDS was designed to allow legitimate access to a wider choice of television services in those areas which do not enjoy a geographical advantage in being able to receive foreign TV channels directly, or where a cable service is not viable. MMDS franchises covering the entire country were awarded in late 1989 and early 1990 following public advertisement. MMDS systems are now in operation in nine of the ten franchise areas and the last one, in Waterford, is expected to commence operations in the New Year. To date a total of some 47,000 connections have been made.
The MMDS system was chosen because it was the only practicable system possible that was compatible with our national and international frequency management obligations. In adopting the MMDS route the objectives were to provide real multi-channel television choice in a professional, technically competent manner and to make available on a nation-wide basis the same quality and continuity of service which is currently available on cable systems in the urban areas. At that time a very thorough investigation of the alternatives was made and the conclusion was that only MMDS could meet these objectives.
One of the main difficulties which has arisen with the introduction of MMDS is caused by the remaining illegal deflector systems within the franchise areas. I can understand the feelings of those viewers who have been relying on the services of these systems up to now, especially where the services were provided by communal initiative, but these systems could never have aspired to the nation-wide requirements for multi-channel choice that I have already mentioned. Furthermore, as they operated without licences, they were always illegal. Now that we have acted and adopted MMDS and choice of quality viewing is legally available, the inescapable fact is that such illegal deflector systems can no longer be allowed to continue in operation.
I can, furthermore, sympathise with new subscribers to MMDS who have to pay more for multi-channel TV than they paid while linked to a deflector system. However, unfair comparison has been made between MMDS and illegal deflector systems with regard to price. It is true that MMDS typically costs more than the deflector systems. One must also bear in mind that the capital cost of the MMDS transmission facility is higher since it must provide a more widely available service and meet the highest technical standards. The MMDS operators must also meet all the usual obligations of copyright payments and, of course, they must pay tax and VAT. The illegal operators were often in a position to avoid these structures and could, therefore, keep the price to the subscriber comparatively low. In the case of MMDS, on the other hand, the subscriber is given much greater choice of channels than that available from the deflector systems.
The basic problem with deflector systems is that they operate in a part of the UHF band which has been allocated to Ireland for television use by the Stockholm Treaty of 1961. The spectrum space so allocated provides sufficient frequency space for the transmission of four TV channels and no more. Accordingly there is simply not enough frequency space available to Ireland to enable a nation-wide network of deflector transmitters to be established and at the same time meet other national requirements such as RTE's two channels, a possible independent third channel and the proposed Telefís na Gaeilge. Each of these stations would require high and medium powered transmitters and local transposers throughout the country and that is why the full range of our UHF frequency allocation must be protected. Those calling for the licensing of illegal deflector systems are in effect asking me to close off options for the future development of domestic television services in this country.
I take the view, a Cheann Comhairle, that spectrum allocations to Ireland are national assets to be used prudently and wisely in the national interest. Such frequencies cannot be taken over and used willy nilly by those involved in illegal deflector systems especially where they are already earmarked for national requirements.
It is crucially important to understand that there is not actually a choice as between deflector systems and MMDS if the non-cabled public are to be given multi-channel television. The fundamental physics of frequency management, combined with the international constraints which apply, mean that it can only be done by MMDS and unless or until there is an understanding of that fact there cannot actually be a rational discussion on this issue. In this regard, before MMDS was conceived in Ireland successive Governments had reached the conclusion that the deflector approach was not an option. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to make it as clear as I can that the MMDS system is here to stay and that no other re-transmission system can, or will, be licensed. The policy of successive Governments has been that they have no wish to deprive anybody of a choice of television viewing; but the illegal systems will have to close down as alternative legal services, whether cable or MMDS, become available.
Although there have been some difficulties with the introduction of MMDS in Counties Laois and Offaly, I am happy to say that the situation is rapidly improving. Initially, because of the existence of deflector systems, the MMDS companies had difficulty in penetrating the market; but now that people see that MMDS provides a better service there is strong interest in subscribing to MMDS.
Because MMDS operates on a "line of sight" basis, certain geographic features can present problems in the provision of a signal. However, I am assured by the companies concerned that, with the aid of "beam-bending" technology and a certain amount of local cabling, they will soon be in a position to provide service to the great majority of subscribers. Thus, for instance, in the village of Kinnity, where such a signal "black spot" area was identified, a beam bender is now being installed to provide service for the people affected. The Deputy will be aware that in the town of Mountmellick the company concerned inform me that they have reached an amicable agreement with the deflector operator for an orderly transition to the MMDS system. They are now using a combination of a beam bender with limited cabling to bring service to those parts of the town not in the direct line of the MMDS transmitter.
I understand further that Suir Nore Relays Ltd., who hold the MMDS franchise for most of County Laois, are now offering a substantial discount on the installation charge to pensioners living alone. Both franchise holders in the counties of Laois and Offaly now offer phased payment systems to new customers.
I would like to turn finally to certain criticisms of MMDS concerning supposed health risks. Public exposure to microwave radiation has been examined by health authorities in the US, the UK, Sweden, Germany, Canada and in many other developed countries. This work has been carried out since 1990. In all cases the allowable or safe exposure of the public to radiation at the MMDS frequencies, that is 2.5 to 2.7 Giga Hertz, has been set at levels of around ten watts per square metre. My Department has measured peak levels near an MMDS transmitter in the West of Ireland at 0.00023 watts per square metre. The human body itself emits microwave radiation at a much greater level than this. I think, a Cheann Chomhairle, that this evidence speaks for itself and I hope that the Deputy and the House are now fully assured on the matter.
In general, a Cheann Comhairle, I can report that while there have been startup difficulties associated with the introduction of MMDS in Laois and Offaly, these are now being worked out and there is growing interest in the MMDS system.
