I propose to take Questions Nos. 623, 627 to 629, inclusive, 631 and 633 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.
I am advised by ComReg that the 800MHz spectrum which was allocated for use in broadcasting analogue television signals, until 24 October 2012, is included in ComReg’s Multi-Band Spectrum Award which is currently under way.
This award process, initiated by the publication by ComReg of the Information Memorandum on 25 May 2012, is a vital step in allowing for the next generation of advance mobile services to be made available for Irish consumers and businesses. Roll out of 4G is one of the key elements of the Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August. This Plan aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services of at least 30Mbps are available to all of our citizens and businesses well in advance of the EU’s target date of 2020.
The level of spectrum fees that will be generated by the Multi-Band Spectrum Award process will be determined by the eventual level of demand expressed in the auction. I am, therefore, not in a position to speculate on the amounts that will be generated.
Regarding the date of rollout of 4G services, this will be a matter for the relevant telecommunications companies.
The Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended, provides that licence fee income received by ComReg is paid by it into the Exchequer after provision is made for the operating expenses of ComReg. There is no statutory basis to utilise the revenue directly to fund capital projects. The capital programmes of Government Departments, including my own Department, are generally funded from central Exchequer resources.