Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:211 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he proposes to take to improve the quality of the mobile phone services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31646/03]
Written Answers. - Mobile Telephony.
I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. It is a regulatory matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation. In accordance with the provisions of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, the commission is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has compared mobile telephone costs here with those in other jurisdictions; his plans to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31647/03]
This is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, the independent regulator for the communications sector. It is important that mobile telephone costs in Ireland are and remain competitive and this will be one of the matters which I will consider in the context of new policy directions I propose to issue to the Commission for Communications Regulation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the development of 3G mobile phone technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31648/03]
The development of third generation mobile phone technology world-wide has not been as fast as previously envisaged. Commercialisation of 3G services has now begun to accelerate in a number of countries and this week, with the launch of the third 3G network in Ireland, all the Irish licensees have their networks operative. I look forward to the introduction and dispersal of next generation services to mobile users in the near future.