Ireland’s Digital Connectivity strategy aligns with European Union priorities, under the Digital Decade 2030, to improve connectivity for all. The Digital Connectivity strategy was subject to a public consultation earlier this year requesting views from all stakeholders on how best to realise this ambition. All submissions received through this process are currently being considered and an updated strategy is expected to be published in the coming months.
Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by the independent regulator, ComReg, to mobile operators who advises that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded by all operators. Capital investment by telecommunications operators over the last 5 years came to €3.3 billion for both fixed and mobile services enhancing the availability of services, both voice and data, throughout Ireland, including in rural areas.
ComReg is currently in the process of running another Multi-band Spectrum Award to assign rights of use in four spectrum bands. The award comprises 470 MHz of spectrum and represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland. This will enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. The proposals include significant coverage obligations for prospective winning bidders.
To assist consumers, ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map (available here: coveragemap.comreg.ie/map) to provide consumers with clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage.
The Shared Rural Network programme sees the UK Government working in partnership with four UK mobile network operators to improve digital infrastructure and increase connectivity.
In Ireland, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been a driving force since 2016 for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide with over 70 targeted actions completed to alleviate connectivity barriers. It tackles issues impeding the rollout of mobile and fixed connectivity. It is co-managed by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
