Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications

Electronic Communications Markets: Commission for Communications Regulation

10:25 am

Mr. Jeremy Godfrey:

I agree absolutely that as users' needs change, the service they are provided must also change to meet those new needs. It is part of our remit to ensure that operators are given the tools and incentives to do that. Let me run through some things ComReg can do to improve matters. Mr. Fahy spoke about spectrum for rural broadband. I do not want to get too technical but there is also the possibility of releasing more spectrum in a band at 700 MHz. This band is particularly suitable for providing wider coverage of services in more remote areas. Managing the spectrum is not something that can be done overnight. It will take a little time to free up that spectrum from its existing use. When the spectrum is released, it will give mobile operators a tool for improving coverage. We will consider the licensing of amplifiers to enable individuals, through their mobile operators, to improve the coverage within their homes.

We uphold consumer rights. I know coverage is a big issue for Deputies and Senators. However, it is not the biggest issue that people raise with our complaint line. If people have complaints-----