Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 15: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will update the regulations or introduce new legislation in relation to the licensing of mobile telecommunications equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10881/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Mobile telecommunications are an electronic communications service under the terms of European legislation. The relevant national regulations in respect of mobile service provision have been updated over time to reflect developments in the EU and market developments generally.

In 2003, national regulations were introduced to transpose the liberalised EU telecommunications market, as reflected in the 2002 EU regulatory framework.

The 2003 EU regulatory framework has since been amended at European level. My Department has been consulting with industry on the transposition of the new framework. Drafting of the necessary national regulations is ongoing with a view to full transposition later this month.

The individual licensing of any wireless communications equipment is a function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1926 to 2009. Under those Acts mobile telecommunications service providers and operators are required to obtain licences from ComReg.

They are also required to comply with licence conditions set by ComReg in accordance with regulations made by ComReg under the Acts and in accordance with the 2002 EU Regulatory Framework. The relevant regulations are made by ComReg with the consent of the Minister.

I am satisfied that the existing and proposed new Regulations currently meet the needs of industry and consumers. It is of course my intention to keep the relevant legislation under constant review with a view to ensuring that it continues to remain relevant to the fast changing telecommunications environment.