The second GSM mobile telephony operator will be required to achieve coverage of 90 per cent of the population within a four-year period. It is possible that certain applicants may propose to achieve this level or further coverage at an earlier stage. This requirement is similar to the coverage achieved by Eircell.
The final 10 per cent coverage comprises numerous small pockets throughout the country, where the nature of the terrain means that provision of the relevant radio signal is difficult. Coverage in such areas would not be economically viable given the high costs involved. The situation as regards coverage in Ireland is very similar to that in other European countries.