Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
112. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his engagement with ComReg; if he discussed the need to include a rail line coverage obligation in the MBSA2 liberalised use licences; if he will issue a direction to ComReg on such coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10093/24]
View answerComReg manages radio spectrum on behalf of the State. The Multi-Band Spectrum Award 2 (MBSA2) was a significant spectrum award process run by the regulator which, in early 2023, led to the award of long term (20 years) spectrum rights across four bands suitable for providing wireless and mobile broadband services and increasing network capacity.
Significant coverage obligations apply under these licences. The issue of coverage was the subject of some discussion between my officials and ComReg with a key focus on delivering coverage to the population rather than on geographical or area coverage. Coverage at 345 key locations was included e.g., at hospitals, higher education campuses, air and seaports, and both train and bus stations, and while coverage on rail lines was considered, it was not identified as a priority.
It can be noted that the setting of coverage requirements would naturally have taken account of what would be commercially viable; the MBSA2 was the subject of a comprehensive consultation process by ComReg over a number of years; and ComReg advises that there are other mechanisms to address any coverage problems on rail lines, such as in-train WiFi, joint ventures between train operators and mobile networks, etc.
Finally, the detail of the award process and compliance with licence conditions is a matter for ComReg who is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions.
