Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 14: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the release of part of the wireless spectrum to attract research investment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12630/12]

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

The management of Ireland's radio spectrum is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg also has a mandate to promote innovation and since 2005 ComReg has made radio spectrum available for research and innovation purposes under its specially designed wireless test & trial licensing programme called "Test & Trial Ireland". This ComReg initiative allows for the testing and/or trialling of wireless communications devices in Ireland. I understand that the scheme has been designed in conjunction with the electronic communications industry to support the needs of the wireless research and development community in Ireland.

To date ComReg has issued over 170 licences to national and international companies and organisations who wish to use radio spectrum to test and trial new products and services. They include mobile phone companies, broadcasting organisations, universities, medical companies and broadband companies, among others. A list of companies and organisations that have availed of the Test and Trial licences may be found on one of ComReg's websites www.testandtrial.ie.