Dinny McGinley
Ceist:45 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the state of developments in regard to 3G telephone technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25825/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 21 October 2004
Ceisteanna (64)
Freagraí scríofa
Third generation, or 3G, technology is the next generation of mobile telephony technology. It is being developed to provide broadband mobile data services though it can also be used for voice communications. The new 3G phones will allow consumers to download data file, such as video clips and music files up to seven times faster than on existing phones. This will open up various possibilities for the development of new services.
In July and October 2002, the Commission for Communications Regulation's predecessor, the Office of the Director of Telecommunication Regulations, following a competition, issued three licences for the provision of third generation networks in Ireland.
The successful applicants were Vodafone (Ireland) Ltd., O2 Communications (Ireland) Limited, and a new entrant to the Irish market — the Hong Kong based Hutchison (3G) Ireland Limited. The 3G licences, which include roll-out and other licensing obligations, are available on the ComReg website for viewing by members of the public, as are various documents relating to the licence competition.
It is expected that the first 3G consumer services in Ireland will be launched before the end of 2004 and all licensees are expected to roll-out 3G services in 2005.
The development of third generation networks worldwide has not been as fast as originally envisaged at the time the licences were awarded. This is due mainly to delays in the appropriate handsets becoming available and in the development of new 3G services. The introduction of 3G services in Ireland will be important, particularly in an economy that has a relatively high mobile penetration rate.