Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004
95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he can take to bring about an improvement in the quality and coverage of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10398/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. The Communications (Regulation) Act 2002, outlines ComReg's role in protecting and promoting consumer interests. Under this Act, ComReg is mandated to ensure a high level of protection for consumers in their dealings with suppliers and to investigate complaints from consumers regarding the supply of and access to electronic communications services, networks and associated facilities.
96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received an indication from the communications regulator with reference to a possible improvement in the quality and scale of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10399/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received information from the communications regulator with a view to the upgrading of the mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10400/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has given instructions to the communications regulator with a view to a reduction in mobile telephone costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10401/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 to 98, inclusive, together.
The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is responsible for the regulation of mobile phone operators in Ireland. Operators must meet the regulatory requirements of ComReg in running their network. Any upgrading of mobile phone networks to meet regulatory requirements would be planned, carried out and financed by the operators.
As a measure to increase competition in the mobile sector, I issued policy directions to ComReg under section 13 of the Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 last week. Included is a direction on national roaming that instructs ComReg, subject to the requirements of European and national law, to make use of its powers under existing legislation to examine mandating national roaming on existing GSM networks of mobile network operators who have significant market power in favour of other mobile network and virtual network operators on fair commercial terms.
As the Deputy will be aware, ComReg recently held a public consultation on its market analysis of wholesale mobile access and call origination. ComReg is currently studying the results of this public consultation and expects to be in a position to notify the European Commission of the results of this market analysis by the third quarter of 2004 and the remedies ComReg would propose to implement in the event of a finding of significant market power.
