Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2016
69. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the communication he has had with mobile phone companies and the British Government regarding cross-Border roaming charges post-Brexit. [38507/16]
View answerIn September, the European Commission published an ambitious proposal for the regulation of the European telecoms sector, which aims to incentivise and encourage increased investment in high speed broadband networks in particular. I have invited the Irish telecoms industry to provide their views on the proposed new framework, and taken that opportunity to also consult with industry on the issues of roaming and Brexit respectively.
The EU Roaming Regulations aim to abolish retail roaming charges within the EU by June 2017, subject to Fair Use Policy. In parallel with industry discussions, negotiations on both the EU Wholesale Roaming Regulation and the Implementing Act on Fair Use and Sustainability are ongoing at EU level. On Friday last, the Council of Ministers agreed a basis for negotiations with the European Parliament.
The Deputy will be aware of the Cabinet Committee set up to consider all potential contingency planning issues following the UK referendum, which is headed up by the Department of the Taoiseach. I am a member of this Cabinet Committee and officials from my Department are members of the inter-departmental group chaired by the Department of Taoiseach.
It is not yet possible to say what impact Brexit will have on cross border roaming charges. This will be largely dependent on the future relationship between the EU and UK. I can assure the Deputy however that I will continue to engage with the key stakeholders on this matter, to ensure that any progress made at EU level in reducing roaming charges applies also in any new relationship with the UK.
