I have no function in setting pricing for phone services. The regulation of telecommunications operators, including pricing for mobile services, is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 and regulations made under the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications.
International roaming has been identified by regulators throughout Europe and the European Commission as a significant issue to be addressed. ComReg is actively working with other members of the European regulators group in this area. This co-ordinated approach is necessary, as any action taken by ComReg on international roaming would primarily benefit mobile phone users visiting Ireland and would not, on its own, benefit Irish mobile users travelling abroad. A European regulators group composed of national regulators, including ComReg, is now examining this area. The national regulators group aims to present preliminary results of its work in this area in May 2005.
On the issues of cross-Border roaming, I welcome the publication of the joint ComReg and Ofcom report on cross-Border telecoms issues. The report covers cross-Border mobile telephone roaming; cross-Border leased line costs; telephone dialling codes and illegal broadcast radio stations operating in Border areas. I am delighted that ComReg and Ofcom have adopted a common approach to tackle issues of mutual concern to businesses and the general public on both sides of the Border.
On 19 January 2005, I issued a press release with my Northern counterpart Minister, Mr. Barry Gardiner MP, which welcomed the publication of this report and expressed concern at mobile phone customers being caught by roaming mobile signals along the Border and incurring international charges for what they think are national calls. I support the report's call for clearer information for customers on all-island tariff options and how to minimise roaming costs. I also support the report's call for the mobile operators to enter into joint arrangements on a cross-Border basis to offer customers all-island tariffs.
While I acknowledge that a number of operators already offer all-island tariff options, it is disappointing that where these are available they are limited to bill paying customers and business contracts. All-island rates should be extended to pay as you go mobile users, who represent around 70% of the mobile customer base. I appreciate that entering into such arrangements would involve business decisions which are a matter for the operators. For my part, I have already taken the opportunity, in meetings with the operators, to raise this issue and will continue to do so.
I look forward to the market's response to the report and to ComReg and Ofcom continuing to co-operate on this issue.
