Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

One does not always need to issue policy directions to give one's views. There are three policy requirements in the development of our mobile networks. One needs an environment which helps companies invest. One needs innovation and services which facilitate the development of new innovative digital services that help the people. Deputy McHugh is right that we need services that are cheap, available everywhere and of higher speeds in the data end. We must push those requirements and make sure that our regulator and the industry are providing a proper service.

Commissioner Reding's proposals are not insignificant. It is right to work with the Commission as it goes to the European framework. Commissioner Reding's proposals are radical, particularly in the area of data roaming, where there is a real issue as we move towards mobile broadband services. I support the radical reduction regarding data services, which she is now talking about.

In opening our mobile networks to new data digital applications, we can make a commercial case for such networks. They will benefit in the long run. Those companies which are ahead of the game in providing digital services and mobile data networks will have a real commercial advantage and will make profits from the services they deliver to the customer.

This is a risky business for those companies. They have been engaged in what has been a profitable voice mobile business, particularly when it involves roaming. We must change the nature of that business. We need to make it more innovative which, in particular, means bringing data costs down. At the same time, we must be aware of the companies' needs to have an investment environment that facilitates the development of those innovations. It is a complex and crucial area at the centre of our telecommunications market.

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