Written Answers - Telecommunications Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
64
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if she has satisfied herself that sufficient investment has been made in telecommunications infrastructure to meet domestic and industrial demands and future market requirements; the new measures, if any, she proposes or the initiatives she will take to ensure the continued availability of adequate land and mobile telephone services and e-mail and Internet methods of communication; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26052/99]
Ivan Yates
Question:
99
Mr. Yates
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if she has satisfied herself with the level of progress of investment in competition at a policy level in the area of third generation mobile telephony and broadband telecommunications capacity; if she has assessed whether new legislation or existing legislation is adequate to license a further wave of telecommunications development; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26134/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
101
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if investment to date, or that envisaged, is sufficient to meet mobile telephone requirements in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26223/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
102
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
the plans, if any, she has to ensure the continuation of an adequate competitive and modern mobile telephone service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26224/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
112
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if she has satisfied herself that the degree of investment, the availability of competition and proposals for the future in respect of telecommunications, mobile and land line services are adequate to meet current and anticipated requirements in the next ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26243/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
113
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if adequate attention has been given to meeting the needs of the business and domestic telecommunications market in view of recent developments and in the context of the national plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26244/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
116
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
her views on the provision of a reliable mobile phone system; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26249/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
118
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if she has satisfied herself with the adequacy of investment in the telecommunications sector to meet the requirements of industry and the domestic market; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26252/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 99, 101, 102, 112, 113, 116 and 118 together.
The availability of a top quality telecommunications system, covering both fixed and mobile services, is important for economic and social development as well as for economic growth and competitiveness. It is generally recognised that one of the best ways to bring this about is to foster a pro-competition environment and a regulatory framework for the sector which stimulates ongoing investment in both infrastructure and services. Now with the advent of the full liberalisation of the Irish telecommunications sector and with growing competition, investment in telecommunications infrastructure is primarily a matter for the commercial judgment of network operators.
However, recognising that, in certain parts of the country, competition alone may not be sufficient to generate the necessary investment in advanced telecommunications infrastructure, there is a role for State intervention to ensure that certain public interest objectives are met. Such intervention includes ensuring that a certain minimum level of telecommunications services is universally available by providing for the designation of a universal service provider as well as stimulating investment in areas which might not otherwise attract sufficient investment.
For example, earlier this year I approved nine projects which support the development of broadband infrastructure in the regions, with a total investment of 55 million euros, including European Regional Development Fund support of 23 million euros. A number of additional projects are under consideration and I hope to be in a position to announce the outcome shortly.
In addition, £120 million has been allocated under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 for further investment in advanced telecommunications infrastructure and my Department is currently drawing up plans for this investment.
The Government has also successfully concluded a project by way of open competition whereby ownership has been acquired of connectivity on the global crossing international fibre optic system seamlessly linking Ireland to 24 European business centres and to the US at internationally competitive prices. This infrastructure will be in place by June 2000.
As regards the further development of competition in the telecommunications sector, the work programme of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation is important in ensuring that this happens. This work programme includes the question of further licensing of mobile telephony services, including third generation mobile services.
Deputies will be aware that, in April last, I announced my intention to prepare legislative proposals to provide the director with a firm basis for the regulation of the sector well into the next millennium. Work on these proposals is under way. This work will take into account the consultation process on the governance and accountability of regulation, which I initiated recently.
