Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Prior to becoming Minister I understood the difference between geographic and population. I have always insisted that we should be looking at geographic coverage. I have made my views quite clear on that, both publically and privately. In regard to the 3.6 GHz spectrum, the auction is slightly different in terms of its objectives. The country is broken into nine different areas, both urban and rural. It will facilitate the roll-out of wireless broadband across the country and it will assist the mobile operators in regard to backhaul capacity as well. It is structured in such a way as to do that.

The big issue is the next auction, which is the 700 MHz spectrum, which relates to 5G. It is my intention, and I will be pressing for it if at all possible, to ensure that is rolled out on a geographic rather than a population basis. The frequency of the 700 MHz spectrum allows for it to have far greater coverage. That would see high speed mobile broadband being provided right across this country. That is needed. I hope it will have the support of all sides of the House.

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