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Telecommunications Infrastructure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2018

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Ceisteanna (45, 49, 66)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

45. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress which has been made by the mobile broadband task force implementation group on the 40 recommendations identified in the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7340/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

49. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide a report on the achievements and successes of the mobile telephone and broadband task force recommendations to date; the further recommendations he plans to implement; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the nationwide experience is that mobile telephone signals are deteriorating and the services worsening despite the task force report being published since December 2016; if his attention has been further drawn to the anxiety many rural households have about to rural broadband provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7260/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

66. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the upgrade of the national mobile telephone coverage plan; the steps he is taking to improve it in accordance with the measures and timetables set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7253/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 49 and 66 together.

Providing telecommunications services, including mobile phone services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services and make specific investments in particular locations. The ComReg consumer helpline is accessible at consumerline@comreg.ie and I would urge consumers who feel they have not received an appropriate response from service providers to make contact with the Regulator.

Notwithstanding ComReg’s independence, I recognise the frustration felt by Irish consumers where telecommunications networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Accordingly, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce a report in December 2016, available on my Department’s website, which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Implementation Group I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. This includes ComReg, who attend as both an action owner, and in an observer capacity in their role as the independent Regulator.

I published the third Taskforce Quarterly Progress Report in November 2017, which demonstrates that good progress has been made in delivering the actions. I plan to publish an Annual Report shortly. This Report will give an update on progress made on each of the 40 actions and will evidence the continuing progress, together with the sustained level of engagement between action owners and industry. The Annual Report will also contain a work programme for 2018, with new actions identified that will lead to improvements for consumers across Ireland.

The Taskforce’s achievements to date include:

- Revisions to Exempted Development Regulations to facilitate prompt roll-out of telecommunications infrastructure and to prepare Ireland for the roll-out of 5G mobile technology;

- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;

- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies and to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs to be connected at an early juncture after award of the NBP contract;

- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map.

- Most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development.

- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms.

All of these initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of telecommunications services, particularly in rural areas.

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