Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Jul 1995

Vol. 455 No. 4

Written Answers. - Satellite Phones.

Michael McDowell

Question:

149 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland is one of the few countries which prohibits the use of satellite phones or land mobile earth stations within its territory; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that a number of companies have been prevented from demonstrating such facilities in Ireland by Irish law; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there is a considerable market in Ireland for such equipment; the steps, if any, he will take to legalise the use of such systems in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12410/95]

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

At present satellite services provided within the State are within the exclusive privilege of Telecom Éireann under section 87 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, while international services have as a matter of policy been reserved to Telecom Éireann. Such services can, therefore, be carried out by operators other than Telecom Éireann only under a licence granted by me under section 111 or, in some circumstances by Telecom Éireann under section 89 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983.

I have licensed several ship earth stations for satellite services and granted a large number of temporary authorisations to operate land mobile earth stations. I understand that a number of temporary authorisations have also been granted by Telecom Éireann. In general my Department is favourably disposed towards considering applications for the temporary use of land-mobile earth stations or land based ship earth stations for use for satellite news gathering; test and demonstration purposes; educational purposes.

If, however, the Deputy can provide details of any company which has encountered difficulties with the authorisation process, I would be glad to investigate the matter.

The European Commission Directive 94/46/EEC amending Directive 88/301/EEC and Directive 90/388/EEC with regard to satellite communications provides for the liberalisation of the satellite communications sector.

This Directive is at present being examined with a view to early transposition into Irish law. The implementing statutory instrument will provide for a licensing process for satellite services.