Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Communications Regulator, ComReg, has estimated to him or his officials the amount of additional licence fee income that might be generated by lowering to the draft condition of 70% of population the coverage requirement under the new spectrum licences in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. [38543/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act 2002.

ComReg believes that the 70% of population coverage requirement is sufficient to ensure that cherry picking solely of high-density urban areas could not occur. It is also modest enough to avoid the duplication of build-out in low population density areas. While no estimate is available regarding the amount of extra licence fee income that might be generated by the draft condition of 70% of population, I am advised by ComReg that unnecessary duplication of build-out would incur additional costs for industry, would be inefficient, and could consequently impact on licence fee income.

ComReg has undertaken an extensive and comprehensive public consultation process on its proposals for the forthcoming spectrum auction and I expect that it has examined every aspect in great detail with a view to ensuring the maximum possible benefit for consumers, in accordance with ComReg's statutory obligations. Details of ComReg's proposals are available in ComReg's latest published document "ComReg 11/60" and associated documents.