Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2012
11. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken to ensure that the new 4G network provides the maximum geographical coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43508/12]
View answer13. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources when he expects the 4G network to be rolled out across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43735/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 13 together.
The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended.
ComReg is currently in the process of awarding spectrum rights of use across three critical bands – the 800Mhz, 900Mhz and 1800Mhz bands – for the period 2013 to 2030. These spectrum bands are highly suitable for advanced mobile services due to their excellent propagation properties, which allow for wide area coverage and improved in-building reception.
ComReg set out the process it has adopted for the award of rights of use for radio frequencies in the 800Mhz, 900Mhz and 1800Mhz bands in its information memorandum and associated documents (ComReg document 12/52). These documents also set out the reasons, analysis and other material relied upon by ComReg in support of its substantive decisions regarding the minimum coverage and rollout requirements for the rights of use to be granted in the award process.
Amongst other things, ComReg considered that actual coverage levels are expected to exceed a minimum 70% population obligation given the competitive nature of the market and the limited risk of roll-back of coverage from the existing levels. ComReg also noted that coverage continues to be an important differentiator in the mobile telecommunications market such that any material deterioration in coverage by any one network would undermine that network’s attractiveness to its existing and potential consumers. It is also important to note that the coverage proposals are designed to facilitate the possible entry of new operators in a matter that would ensure that ‘cherry picking’ of high density urban areas would not occur.
This award process is a vital step in allowing for the next generation of advance mobile services to be made available for Irish consumers and businesses from next year. The process of awarding of spectrum rights is entirely a matter for ComReg and I am not in a position to comment on it progress.
