Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
540. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to prioritise rural areas in the terms and conditions before allocating the 5G licences to the respective companies; the way in which he plans to favourably discriminate towards rural areas that currently have poor or no service at all when allocating these respective licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48086/18]
View answerIn the first instance, the management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002. This role includes the allocation of radio spectrum and the award of spectrum licences, including any terms, conditions and obligations that may be attached to such licences. ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions, and as such it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific licence terms and conditions. I do however recognise the frustration felt by Irish consumers where telecommunications networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Digital connectivity positively impacts on the lives and livelihoods of citizens throughout the country. In paving the way for 5G deployment in Ireland and future spectrum licence awards, consideration will need to be given to a number of factors, including quality of coverage as well as geographical spread.
There is currently a number of initiatives underway to help enhance the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas. These include the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to alleviate coverage deficits across the country. A report of a focus group was recently published under the auspices of the Taskforce to provide guidance with respect to categories of locations where high quality, mobile coverage should be made available as a priority. A pilot exercise has also been completed with all local authorities having been asked to map local blackspots and identify infrastructure that could potentially be sued to provide additional coverage on an economic basis.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for 5G rollout, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage. Mobile operators’ commercial investment has also resulted in improved services, following ComReg's 2012 multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.
