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Mobile Telephony.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004

Tuesday, 29 June 2004

Questions (256, 257)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he proposes to take to improve the quality of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19565/04]

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Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had contact with or received communication from the telecommunications regulator regarding the need to improve the quality and extent of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19566/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.

In common with other Deputies, I understand the importance of citizens and businesses having access to a high quality mobile telephone service with coverage across the country. The responsibility for achieving this rests with the mobile phone operators, which are regulated by ComReg. While I am responsible for setting policy in the telecommunications sector, the key role on the ground of ensuring the operators provide quality signals and satisfactory signal coverage rests with ComReg. My officials are in regular communication with ComReg on a variety of issues. However, the specific issues that the Deputy raises are the responsibility of ComReg to regulate. The Irish mobile penetration rate now stands at 88%, with approximately 3.5 million mobile subscribers at the end of March 2004. The average European Union mobile penetration rate is just above 80%.

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