Vol. 536 No. 2
167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself with the implementation of communication policy in the context of the development of the mobile phone market; the degree of market saturation; if further policy proposals are in train in this area; if there are any market restrictions in this area which are delaying the development of e-business in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14089/01]
The mobile phone market in Ireland is continuing to develop in terms of competition and service. The third mobile network operator commenced operations earlier this year and further licences for third-generation mobile services will be offered this year. There are substantial opportunities for technological and service innovation in this market and operators are offering a range of new features and services. Further developments offering facilities such as e-commerce are in the pipeline.
According to a report by the ODTR last March, there were approximately 2.4 million mobile phone users in Ireland in the first quarter of this year, representing 67% of the population.
The introduction of further competition in the Irish market is expected to result in lower retail tariffs for mobile telephony. There has been comment, not only in Ireland, but generally in Europe, on the charges for international roaming, and the European Commission has carried out an investigation of roaming charges in Europe.
A key issue relating to the further development of competition and services in the mobile sector is the scope of regulatory intervention in the market. The situation of the mobile sector is an issue in the current proposals for reform of the regulatory framework in Europe. Negotiations on five new draft directives are in progress within the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, with a view to their adoption later this year.
