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Telecommunications Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2012

Thursday, 29 November 2012

Questions (155)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any study has been done on the quality and extent of cover of the various mobile telephone service providers throughout the country; if complaints in relation to the quality of service continue to be monitored and or addressed; if customers in particular areas continue to have a poor quality of service; if the regulator has been made aware of any such deficiencies; if any corrective action is warranted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53586/12]

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Written answers

The provision of mobile phone networks and services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Licences to provide mobile telephony services are granted by ComReg pursuant to the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926, as amended, and have been issued to the following Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Vodafone, O2, Meteor and H3G. There are also a number of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Ireland such as Tesco Mobile Ireland, E-mobile, Postfone and Lycamobile who have entered into commercial wholesale network access arrangements with MNOs.

Their licences, among other things, require MNOs to provide a minimum level, of both population coverage and quality of service. In practice in all cases networks exceed the minimum stipulated coverage and quality of service requirements for commercial reasons. Compliance with licence requirements is assessed bi-annually by ComReg. Any discrepancies with the requirements of the Licence, found during the assessment have to be addressed by the MNO concerned to ComReg’s satisfaction.

Furthermore, if any consumer raises a complaint with an MNO and the consumer is unhappy with the MNOs response, then, I understand that the ComReg will progress such complaints with the MNO concerned in an attempt to reach a resolution.

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