Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 6

Written Answers - Mobile Telecommunications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

69 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether a reduction in rental and call charges in respect of mobile telephones is warranted regarding the varied number of incentives that appear to be quite readily available for promotional purposes in this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4515/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Since the launch of the second GSM operator last year, the market for the provision of mobile telephony services in Ireland has been competitive. A further mobile operator will be licensed by the director of telecommunications regulations later this year.

In my view an efficient competitive marketplace offers the best assurance that consumers will benefit from improving service quality and competitive pricing. The prices charged in the marketplace are an operational matter for the companies involved and I do not have any direct function in the matter.