Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 4

Written Answers. - MMDS System.

Máirín Quill

Question:

142 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has satisfied himself with the current operation of the MMDS system; the areas currently served by the system; the level of satisfaction among consumers in relation to the system; and in the event of this not being satisfactory, the alternative plans, if any, he has in place in relation to the provision of the service throughout the country. [2027/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

MMDS systems are now in operation in all of the ten franchise areas throughout the country. I am, however, concerned that there are still some of these areas and notably in Counties Donegal and Mayo, where an acceptable level of coverage has not yet been achieved.

Where MMDS is in operation, it provides a high quality service and a broad range of channels and I am not aware of any significant level of dissatisfaction among customers who avail of it.

I am aware that in certain areas there is concern about the cost of the MMDS system in comparison with that of existing community deflector schemes and about the lack of choice. In accordance with the Government's Programme of Renewal, I am examining ways in which those concerns can be addressed, subject, of course, to proper frequency management and in compliance with our international obligations in that regard.