Broadband Service Charges

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Questions (183)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

183. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding engagement with Internet providers in respect of the cessation of the application of excess usage charges during periods of enhanced restrictions considering the increase in the number of persons working and studying from home; his plans to request a further cessation of the application of excess usage charges by Internet providers during aforementioned periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36647/20]

Written answers

Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications

As I stated in reply to question No [PQ 34493] of  5 November 2020, providing telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I recognise how vital telecommunications services are to citizens for so many aspects of their daily lives, including remote working, studying and staying in touch with family members during the Covid-19 crisis. In April of this year, all major telecommunications providers in Ireland committed to a number of measures to help people stay in touch and work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, a number of operators have implemented further supports for consumers, such as for students in education, who require a high data usage package, by increasing data limits on many existing packages and by the introduction of new packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings. As a result, the market for mobile packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings, is becoming increasingly competitive, which is a positive development for consumers.