Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date to ensure that areas without mobile phone signals get mobile phone coverage; the discussions that have taken place between his Department and the industry on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis.
Capital investment in network infrastructure over the last 5 years was €3.5 billion for fixed and mobile services enhancing the availability of services, both voice and data, throughout Ireland, including in rural areas. Operators have committed to continued investment programmes in the coming years, estimated to be in the region of €700m per annum. Investment to date in 5G networks has resulted in circa 80% of the population now with access to 5G services.
Obligations in relation to mobile coverage are set out in licences granted by ComReg to the mobile operators and the regulator advises that the current minimum coverage obligations are being considerably exceeded by all operator in relation to mobile coverage.
ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map (available on their website under coveragemap.comreg.ie) which will help consumers to find the network provider that best meets their needs for where they live, work and travel.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which was reconvened in December 2021, is delivering on a new three-year work programme to reduce barriers to telecoms infrastructure rollout within the state’s control. Specific actions for delivery in the short, medium and long-term have been identified under three overarching pillars – 1) Planning and Licensing; 2) Improving information and access to Assets and Infrastructure and 3) Improving Consumer Information, Advice and Experience.
