Vol. 524 No. 4
78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has issued any new or recent policy directives in relation to the operation of the mobile telephone service in view of the new entrants to the marketplace and ever increasing customer demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22798/00]
Under the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996, I have the power to issue policy directions to the director of telecommunications deregulation in relation to the allocation and use of the radio frequency spectrum. I also have the power to specify public service requirements which may be included in telecommunications licences. To date I have not formally invoked those powers, any issues arising having been dealt with by consultation between the office of the director and my Department.
However, I can confirm that, as part of the process for the proposed licensing of third generation mobile telephony operators that is now being undertaken by the office of the director, I will be examining the question of what public service requirements, if any, should be included in those licences.
Furthermore, as regards the future development of competition in the telecommunications market generally, including mobile telephone services, and meeting growing consumer demands, it is my intention to bring legislative proposals to Government later this year to enhance the effectiveness of the regulatory framework.
Question No. 79 taken with Question No. 77.
