Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of ComReg for everything. The big issue obviously is that of the fixed line charges. While Mr. O'Brien stated there is a universal service guarantee at present, he has outlined that as competition increases, there will be possible threats to this in the future. This is feared by a lot of people in rural areas, particularly, as Mr. O'Brien has mentioned, if the fibre-optic cables initially are to be rolled out mainly in urban areas and subsequently into the rural areas. Is there no way we can insist it is rolled out into the rural areas? Can ComReg make a demand that if one intends to roll out fibre-optic cables in urban areas, it should be done at the same time across the board?

I am aware that UPC upgraded a lot of its infrastructure a few years ago and probably is ahead in many ways. However, Mr. O'Brien might outline to members in general terms the present position of the 4G roll-out. Obviously, a great number of jobs can be gained on foot of the extra speed and capacities arising therefrom. Can Mr. O'Brien indicate what that might mean or whether ComReg has a forecast regarding the types or number of jobs it would create? Is there any way to gauge this?