Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if concerns have been raised with him over ComReg's proposal to turn off the 900 MHz GSM voice and text service frequency in 2013; the way it will be replaced; when the regulatory process for the new mobile spectrum will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21766/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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In accordance with its statutory function under the 2002 and its obligations under EU law, ComReg assigns rights of use for spectrum by way of a licence under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts.

Currently, the 900 MHz frequency spectrum is used to provide GSM (2G) voice and text services in Ireland. New technological developments now allow for innovative broadband services to also be provided in the 900 MHz band. This band is particularly valuable as it covers greater distances than higher frequency bands, allowing modern voice, data and multimedia services to be extended into less populated and rural areas. The provision of voice, data and broadband services are not mutually exclusive and it is anticipated that liberalizing the band will provide a wider range of services for consumers.

In 2009 the EU GSM Directive was adopted to allow the use of this band for electronic communications services additional to GSM. The objective is to allow a wider choice of services and technologies to consumers and to maximise competition in the bands so far covered by the Directive, while ensuring that services remain coordinated.

ComReg has responsibility for the operation and management of spectrum and is independent in its functions. ComReg has consulted openly on its proposal to liberalise and assign rights of use in the 900 MHz band together with the 800 and 1800 MHz bands from January 2013. These public consultations have been ongoing since July 2008 on this important matter. ComReg proposes to assign the rights of usage in this band by way of an auction later in 2011. The process aims to open the band for provision of significantly enhanced mobile broadband services which will deliver tangible benefits for consumers and business. ComReg is not proposing any switch off of voice services in the 900MHz band.