Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2023
177. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for when a universal service obligation scheme will be introduced in respect of the provision of high speed, next-generation broadband; the form this scheme will take; how this scheme will be funded; if all applicable broadband operators will be eligible and or required to participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3858/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Electronic Communications Code (“the Code”) requires Member States to ensure the availability of an adequate broadband internet access service at an affordable price. These provisions will be transposed in the European Union (Electronic Communications Code) Regulations 2022, which were signed in September 2022 and will commence in tandem with the Communications Regulation Bill, which is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Work on planning for the implementation of these Regulations, as they pertain to the universal service obligations, has recently commenced, however at this juncture, it would be premature to provide information on definitive timelines for the roll out of the universal service obligations in the state.
The Code requires that when designating an undertaking to provide a universal service, the procedure must be effective, objective, transparent and non-discriminatory and that no undertaking is a priori excluded from being designated. ComReg will be responsible for designating undertakings to provide a universal service for adequate broadband internet access service.
Should ComReg determine that the provision of the universal service by a designated undertaking represents an unfair burden, compensation may be sought by the designated undertaking. This can be paid for using public funds, through the imposition of a sharing mechanism whereby the providers of electronic communications networks and services contribute to the cost of the universal service or through a combination of these options.
