Seán Crowe
Ceist:126 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to minimise charges associated with cross-Border roaming. [5856/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 February 2004
Ceisteanna (36)
Freagraí scríofa
I have recently published draft policy directions which, if finally adopted, I propose to issue to the Communications Regulator, ComReg. One of these draft directions focuses on cross-Border roaming. It mandates ComReg to identify barriers, and use the tools available to them to encourage and support initiatives to reduce or eliminate roaming charges between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
As a Minister from a Border county, I am acutely aware of the impact of these charges on local people and local businesses. The issue is not simply one of mobile operators introducing all-Ireland tariffs, although this in itself is to be welcomed.
These directions have been published in draft format for public consultation until Monday, 1 March 2004 and I welcome input from both the industry and the public.