Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
119. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is grant aid available to a person (details supplied) who needs a mobile booster to receive mobile reception and broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15216/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding telecommunication services, including mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator.
Since its inception in July 2016, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services throughout Ireland and it will continue its work in the context of its inclusion in the Programme for Government. To date the Taskforce has addressed over 70 targeted actions designed to alleviate connectivity barriers, and continues to focus on issues that are negatively impacting upon the rollout of essential telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
One such measure introduced by the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been the development by ComReg of a licensing scheme to enable households and businesses to use mobile phone repeaters to boost signals into their premises for immediate coverage improvement.
ComReg has set technical conditions that mobile phone repeaters must comply with to be permitted. The technical conditions aim to provide consumers with better indoor coverage while protecting Mobile Network Operators from unwanted interference.
The price of repeaters can vary depending on the number of services to be covered e.g. call & texts only, data only or calls, texts and data. ComReg advises consumers to consider their needs before making a purchase. A list of manufacturers and installers of these devices is available on the ComReg website, www.comreg.ie .
However, there is no grant scheme in operation to assist with the purchase of this equipment.
