Vol. 424 No. 6
45 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if there is a deadline for the provision of services for those companies which have been granted MMDS licences; and if so, when this deadline expires for the provision of service in County Waterford.
When MMDS franchises were awarded in late 1989 and 1990, definite start up deadlines were not specified as my Department was aware of a number of factors which were not within the control of the MMDS operators. Such factors included transmitter site identification, acquisition, planning permission and site development, and the ordering and delivery of equipment. A number of operators suffered very considerable delays in the planning permission process.
The MMDS franchise for the Waterford area was awarded three separate franchises. Generally speaking, I believe the company is making a reasonable effort to establish the MMDS service in its three franchise areas. I understand from the company that they expect to be in a position to provide MMDS service in the Waterford area in the summer of 1993.
