John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in the context of the EU measures on roaming charges for mobile voice communications, he has plans to address the issue of roaming charges for mobile data communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28225/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The issue of roaming charges for mobile data communications is currently being addressed by the European Commission as part of the public consultation on the Review of the functioning of the Roaming Regulation and its possible extension to SMS and data roaming services. The benefit of lower roaming charges for data traffic is that it would encourage the development of new digital applications on mobile networks. The US Communications Regulator has introduced new rules in the allocation of spectrum for mobile technologies to encourage similar flexibility in technologies that can access mobile networks. The Japanese Government has gone further in mandating access for independent operators to send data traffic across a mobile phone network.

My objective is to ensure that consumers obtain the best deal possible for data and SMS services. I look forward to the outcome of the consultation and to working closely with my colleagues in Europe to achieve this objective.