Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2005
117 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to reduce cross-Border mobile phone roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7431/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra118 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he intends to take to have an all-Ireland mobile phone prefix. [7432/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
Responsibility for the regulation of mobile phone prices and the overall management of the mobile numbering resource in this jurisdiction is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and regulations made under the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. I have no function in the matter.
In relation to cross-Border mobile phone roaming charges within the island, the provision of commercial offerings to tackle this issue, such as expanding the availability of all-island tariffs to more customers, is primarily a matter for the operators. I am on record as supporting the work that ComReg and Ofcom, the UK telecommunications regulator, have done to date to encourage operators north and south to tackle this issue.
