Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline his plans for the analogue telecommunications spectrum which are due to become available in October and which have the potential to transform broadband internet provision across the country. [32429/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The radio frequency spectrum that will become available when the switch off of analogue television signals is completed will pave the way for the delivery of new jobs, new mobile and broadband services and new national economic growth. I welcome the release of these resources for telecommunications purposes and look forward to its contribution towards the development of next generation broadband and communications networks.

I should advise the Deputy, however, that 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. ComReg is currently engaged in auctioning the spectrum that will be freed up together with other bandwidths of spectrum. This will pave the way for delivery by the private sector of significantly enhanced wireless broadband services in Ireland and is a welcome development.

Industry has advised through the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce that headline speeds of 30Mbps will be possible over the coming years and will be facilitated by the availability of spectrum released as a consequence of the analogue switch off.