I would like to thank the Senator for raising this matter. Satellite communications is but one of many uses of the radio spectrum. The radio spectrum is an important resource in the development of a modern communications infrastructure.

As the radio spectrum is a limited resource, its utilisation is managed through a licensing framework laid down in the Wireless Telegraphy Acts. Licensing is a matter that has devolved from my Department to the Director for Telecommunications Regulation under the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996. This function will pass to the new commission for communications regulation, which the Senator is no doubt aware is due to be established shortly. However, I will outline the position in relation to satellite space capacity allocated to Ireland under international agreements.

International agreements covering radio spectrum are normally developed at radio conferences organised by the International Telecommunications Union – the ITU. The decisions of these conferences are normally incorporated into a set of international regulations called the ITU Radio Regulations.

In the areas of space communications there are two different parts of the international regulations that are relevant. One part deals with the broadcasting satellite service. Broadcasting systems are typically one-way transmission systems from the satellite to the consumer. Ireland has been assigned ten transmission channels for satellite broadcasting. With digital transmissions each transmission channel has the potential to cater for between six and ten programme channels. However, there is a trade-off between the picture quality and the number of programme channels.

If a system were to be developed the actual number of programme channels in each transmission system channel would be a matter for an operator to propose and reach agreement with the regulator as part of any licensing agreement. It should also be noted that within the context of the international regulations for the broadcasting service the coverage available is normally based on that necessary to cover one's national territory. Consequently, from the ten transmission channels assigned to Ireland the coverage is primarily restricted to Ireland, although there would be some spill-over into the UK.

Another part of the international radio regulations deals with national allotments for two-way satellite transmission systems. This type of system would typically be used for the telecommunications service, including Internet access. Within this part of the international regulations Ireland has certain rights of access to satellite frequency bands and orbit segments. However, these rights are general in nature. Considerable work would have to be undertaken by a prospective operator in conjunction with the regulator to convert these general rights into operational characteristics and obtain the necessary agreements in accordance with the provisions of the international radio regulations.

Deployment of satellites is a very expensive undertaking. For it to be successful there must be suitable market conditions. Currently I am not aware of any interest to develop an Irish satellite service nor has the director indicated that interest has been expressed to her.

The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926, although amended over the years, is still the primary legislation covering the use of radio communications. This Act was enacted long before satellites became a reality, and while it covers the licensing of wireless telegraph apparatus on land, sea and in the air, including terminals on the ground transmitting or receiving from satellites, its adequacy in relation to satellites in space is questionable. I am at present having a review of this legislation carried out with a view to proposing new legislation.