Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding spectrum sharing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47636/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The management of Ireland’s radio spectrum is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). As the national regulatory authority for the management of our radio spectrum, ComReg has set out its position on spectrum sharing when it published its latest strategy statement for managing the radio spectrum in November 2011 and subsequently in Document 12/52 relating to the Multiband Spectrum Release Decision. In its Strategy ComReg notes the recent trend towards increased collaboration between operators in the provision of wireless/mobile services. There are various drivers for this, including operators’ desire to reduce costs and/or provide a higher quality of service to consumers by using their combined resources. There are many forms of collaboration and the benefits and drawbacks of each type will vary depending on the specifics of the collaboration.

ComReg is of the view that spectrum sharing and pooling can, in principle, bring benefits such as reduced costs and improved quality of service. At the same time, ComReg is aware of the potential policy concerns, particularly in relation to competition. Each case would have to be judged on its merits. ComReg has however indicated that it would look more favourably on agreements that do not overly restrict competition and deliver demonstrable benefits that are shared with final consumers.