Vol. 565 No. 3
268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if mobile telephone technology in this country can be improved to bring it into line with the best available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11110/03]
Mobile technology in Ireland is constantly evolving. The operators are developing their current networks for handling data services.
Concerning future networks the Commission for Communications Regulation, following a competition has issued three licences for the next generation of mobile networks called third generation or 3G.
The development of third generation networks worldwide has not been as fast as previously envisaged and worldwide are only being launched now. It is expected that third generation mobile will be launched in Ireland during 2003.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 249.
