Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise whether she is required to authorise or approve the provision of a third mobile phone service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16078/98]
Written Answers. - Mobile Telephone Licences.
The decision on awarding the third mobile telephone licence was made by the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. The powers related to issuing telecommunications licences under section 11 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, and section 5 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926, as amended, including those for mobile services, were transferred to the director under the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996, and the European Communities (Telecommunications Licences) Regulations, 1998.
Under the 1996 Act my consent is required in relation to the making of regulations by the director to enable the grant of specific classes of licences under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts for the use of radio frequency spectrum. Therefore, my consent will be required in due course for regulations providing for the issuing of radio frequency licences in the DCS 1800 band both to the existing operators and the third operator recently announced by the director following an open competition.