Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
805. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the increased use of smart phones and other such devices is placing additional pressures on mobile communications infrastructure and could this be contributing to poorer network coverage in some areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37986/13]
View answerThe terms and conditions of the required wireless telegraphy licences and the associated monitoring of compliance by licensed providers with those terms and conditions are matters for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which is responsible for regulating both the postal and telecommunications markets. ComReg, which is accountable to Committees of the Oireactas in accordance with s34 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, is independent in the exercise of these functions.The latest ComReg quarterly market report shows that mobile market penetration in Ireland is 118% and that the mobile market accounts for approximately 73.7% of all voice and internet subscriptions (fixed and mobile). Increasing demand for data services over fixed and mobile networks is a challenge for industry and Governments globally. The Government's National Broadband Plan, which I published last year, aims to address this challenge by facilitating investment by the commercial sector and committing to the State intervening where there is no commercial case for investment. Since the Plan was published, significant investments have been announced in both fixed and mobile networks in Ireland. In December 2012, ComReg announced the results of its multiband spectrum auction, in which the mobile industry is investing €855m in spectrum licences to rollout advanced 4G mobile services. Operators are now preparing to roll out these services. In addition, at least one operator has announced a significant upgrade to its 3G network.
These developments, together with commercial investments in fixed broadband services will result in an improvement in the overall quality of telephone and broadband services throughout the country. This will be augmented by a State investment in high speed broadband, under the National Broadband Plan, in those areas where commercial investments are not deemed to be feasible.
