Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2016
360. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding foreign investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3686/16]
View answerUPC Ireland has been rebranded as Virgin Media Ireland. This does not constitute a takeover as, throughout the process, the ultimate owner of the service has continued to be Liberty Global.
Concurrent with this rebranding, the MMDS (Multipoint Microwave Distribution Systems) service now operated by Virgin Media, which was introduced in Ireland in the early 1990s to provide multi-channel television services on a nationwide basis, is being prepared to be switched off. This switch off is entirely unrelated to the rebranding of UPC Ireland as Virgin Media, but rather results from a Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) decision (D06/13). In accordance with this decision, the spectrum licence granted by ComReg to the MMDS service will no longer be available from 18 April 2016 as the spectrum associated with the MMDS service (in the 2600MHz band) is being reallocated for mobile broadband usage.
In preparation for the closure of the service, I understand that Virgin Media has been implementing a specific communications programme and, earlier this month, the company wrote directly to all affected MMDS customers advising them of the situation.
Ultimately, existing MMDS users will need to switch to another television service provider available in their area and, as part of its communications programme, I understand that Virgin Media has provided guidance for their customers in this regard. I also understand that the company has put in place a dedicated customer service team to respond to any queries, as well as an online help facility at www.virginmedia.ie/mmds.
I would urge all those affected to engage early with Virgin Media and with the relevant alternative service providers in order to manage this transition in a smooth manner.
