Vol. 470 No. 6
22 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether a third mobile phone licence is being considered for Ireland; and if so, the way in which he proposes to prevent any further proliferation of masts in this instance. [19241/96]
It is clear that in the context of Commission Directive 96/2/EEC regarding mobile and personal communications, the Commission expects at least one licence for DCS 1800 digital mobile telephony to be issued by each member state before 1 January 1998. DCS 1800 technology is similar to GSM but operates in a higher frequency range and is generally regarded as a technology for urban areas.
Consistent with the Commission Green Paper on Mobile Telephony dated 27 April 1994, commitments were given to GSM applicants and to Eircell that DCS 1800 licences would be offered to the GSM operators on a non-exclusive basis. The question of offering an additional DCS 1800 licence will be decided in 1997. The question of mast proliferation is one for planning authorities in the first instance.
I can confirm, however, that I fully support the idea of the co-location and sharing of telecommunications facilities, where feasible. I have already made my views on this question known to all relevant State bodies under my aegis and to other telecommunications operators that have suitable sites and infrastructure. I have also requested my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, to bring my views in the matter to the attention of RTÉ. Furthermore, as I started in this House recently on the subject, if difficulties arise about sharing/co-location the Telecommunications and Radio Regulatory Division of my Department is there to provide assistance.
