Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for his reply. As he is aware, there is no designated universal service obligation provider for the mobile telephone sector at present. However, Eircom is the designated provider for landlines. I understand ComReg is currently deciding whether to renew it. I raise the issue because I fear that if ComReg does not impose a universal social obligation on mobile telephone operators, successful bidders for the new licences will concentrate on large urban areas, to the detriment of the rural areas in which 30% of the population live. ComReg has indicated that competition among companies for customers in rural areas will ensure coverage but I am not so sure that will be the case. Supply, demand and profit will be determining factors. Does the Minister agree that a universal social obligation should apply, as is the case for landlines and postal services?

See this speech in context