Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 2

Written Answers. - MMDS Transmission Costs.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

270 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) has recently increased its charges for transmission of the multi-channel television signal by over 50 per cent; if this increase has been sanctioned by his Department; if not, the action, if any, he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6520/97]

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

I am not aware that the company concerned has increased its charges by the level suggested by the Deputy. I do know that the company has recently increased the annual rental charge for its basic MMDS service from £170 to £179 which amounts to an increase of 5.3 per cent. With the exception of the ending of a special introductory discount for some of its premium services I am not aware of any other increases applied by this company recently.

In any event the Deputy should be aware that, unlike the statutory provisions which apply to cable relay charges, increases to the annual rental charge for MMDS services do not require my prior approval. However, under the regulations which govern MMDS I may investigate the charges being applied by a licensee in respect of the service being provided. Up to now I have not had cause to carry out any such investigation.