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. This role includes the allocation of radio spectrum, the award of spectrum licences and the associated application of terms and conditions and obligations. ComReg is independent in the exercise of this spectrum management function. In October, I signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to allocate spectrum in the 3.6GHz band. The allocation will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. The liberalisation of this band is in accordance with EU rules, and will allow the band to be used for a combination of mobile and wireless services, providing better quality voice and data services to customers across Ireland.
I have no role or function in the delivery of the allocation process, which is a matter for ComReg. I am aware that ComReg has recently concluded its consultation process on the award process for the 3.6GHz spectrum band, including from parties who may wish to provide fixed broadband services and others who may see this band as an opportunity to provide new services. ComReg has considered the views of all respondents and its decisions on this band must accord with its own statutory functions, objectives powers and duties.
The aim of the National Broadband Plan is to bring competitively priced quality services to rural areas, through a State intervention to build a new high speed broadband network. It is envisaged that this network will offer wholesale services to multiple retailers, who can in turn offer competitive and affordable and high speed broadband to users.
The Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises in Ireland, covering 100,000 km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland.
The procurement process is technology neutral. All three bidders involved in the competitive dialogue process are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home network solution to connect rural Ireland. This is their choice of technology. It is however possible that wireless technology may be part of the solutions proposed and this is a matter for bidders. Furthermore, as the network to be built will offer wholesale services, on an open-access basis, it will be open to existing wireless retailers to offer services on the new network. Wireless operators can also connect their technologies to the network if they can meet the high speed broadband specifications set out in the Plan, which includes a minimum of 30 Mbps download speed and 6 Mbps upload speed.
