Bernard J. Durkan
Question:576 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to 3G mobile phone technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2154/03]
Written Answers. - Mobile Telephony.
The licensing of third generation mobile phone technology is a matter for the Commission of Communications Regulation.
There are two types of licence to operate 3G in Ireland. The A licence won by Hutchison Whampoa with a total fee of €50.7 million provides for 80% population coverage with minimum roll-out requirements of 53% of the national population by the end of December 2005 and 80% coverage by the end of December 2007.
The B licences, which were taken up by O2 and Vodafone with a fee of €114.3 million, provide for a minimum population coverage of 53%, equivalent to five major cities, and roll-out requirements of 33% demographic coverage by the end of June 2006 and 53% demographic coverage by the end of June 2008.
The differentiation in the fees reflects the greater roll-out cost to the A licensee in meeting the coverage and time constraints compared to the minimum requirements for the B licences. All three licensees have licence commitments to launch during 2003 and the commission intends to confirm fulfilment of each operator's milestones at the relevant times.
Question No. 577 answered with Question No. 121.