Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he intends issuing an instruction to ComReg as he is empowered to do under the Acts laying down the minimum coverage requirements for any new mobile licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2633/12]

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 as amended.

As set out in ComReg documents 11/60 and 11/75 and associated documents, ComReg is proposing to hold a multi-band award of spectrum rights of use in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. These documents also detail ComReg's proposed minimum coverage requirement for spectrum rights so awarded.

In making its proposals ComReg notes, amongst other things, that the four existing mobile operators have achieved coverage levels exceeding those set out in their respective mobile licences. For example, for 3G services, Vodafone's coverage covers 90% of the population, 5% more than its obligation. Hutchison 3G, better known as "3", covers 96% of the population, 11% more than its obligation. O2 also covers 90.5% of the population, which is also more than its obligation.

ComReg also notes that coverage continues to be an important competitive differentiator. Any deterioration in coverage by any one network would undermine that network's attractiveness to its existing and potential customers.

The importance of maintaining the existing levels of mobile telephony and mobile broadband coverage has been raised with ComReg by my officials. While the outcome of the forthcoming multi-band spectrum release process can not be anticipated I understand that ComReg are not anticipating any reduction in coverage as a result of the process.

It is also important to note that ComReg's coverage proposals are designed to facilitate the possible entry of new operators in a manner that would ensure that "cherry picking" of high-density urban areas would not occur.

Finally, section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 requires that "Subject to this Act, the Commission shall be independent in the exercise of its functions" and such independence is also a requirement under the EU Directives which underpin the electronic communications regulatory framework in all Member States.

In the light of the above I do not propose to issue a direction in this regard. It is however up to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications to invite ComReg to make a presentation on its work including the issue of coverage requirements.